In 2003 the Ben Franklin Global Forum began a tradition that continues to this day. On the eve of the Army-Navy Football Classic, it has hosted, managed, and/or sponsored a dinner event to honor the men and women of our nation’s military.

This year the event, now called the Army-Navy Football Classic Gala and Gold Star Weekend, begins on Thursday, December 7, 2023, and runs through Sunday, December 10th.

Keynote speakers are senior military or Department of Defense leaders who join with members of the Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard as well as veterans, civilian leaders and their guests to celebrate what is this year, the 123rd gridiron meeting between the Cadets of Army and the Midshipmen of Navy.

For the last ten years, the focus has been on celebrating the warriors of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). And what was once a dinner on Friday night has morphed into a 4-day/3-night weekend celebration that now incorporates hosting and honoring SOCOM’s Gold Star Wives and family members.

Working in partnership with U.S. Army Special Operations Command Soldier, Family and Command Support Association and the SEAL Family Foundation, the Forum designs, plans, and executes a series of events from Thursday to Sunday to support the families of our nation’s fallen warriors.

View the attached photo galleries for an inside look at what’s in store for you.