Bill Summary
The "Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act" is a legislative act aimed at establishing a commemorative monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to honor the heroic acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients. The Act builds upon previous legislation, specifically Public Law 117-80, which authorized the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to create such a memorial.
Key points of the Act include:
1. **Historical Significance**: It acknowledges the Medal of Honor, established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, as the highest award for valor in combat, awarded across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
2. **Honoring Legacy**: The Act recognizes the declining number of living Medal of Honor recipients and emphasizes the importance of honoring their sacrifices to inspire future generations.
3. **Location**: It designates a site for the monument within the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial, to create a respectful connection to Lincoln’s legacy and the values represented by Medal of Honor recipients.
4. **Applicability**: While the Act provides specific site authorization, it also ensures that the Commemorative Works Act governs the creation of the monument, maintaining compliance with existing regulations related to commemorative works on federal land.
Overall, the Act seeks to create a lasting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of Medal of Honor recipients and their embodiment of American values.
Possible Impacts
The **Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act** could affect people in various ways, including:
1. **Civic Inspiration and Education**:
The establishment of the National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall serves to educate the public about the valor and selflessness exhibited by Medal of Honor recipients. This can inspire visitors, particularly young people, to learn about American history, military service, and the values of courage and sacrifice. Schools and community groups may use the monument as a focal point for discussions on heroism and civic responsibility.
2. **Cultural and Historical Recognition**:
By commemorating the achievements of Medal of Honor recipients, the monument amplifies the recognition of their sacrifices in American history. This can foster a greater appreciation for veterans and active military members, helping to bridge connections between military service and civilian life. Such recognition may also foster a sense of pride and unity within communities, as people come together to honor those who have served.
3. **Tourism and Economic Impact**:
The monument's location on the National Mall is likely to attract visitors from across the country and around the world. Increased foot traffic in the area can benefit local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. This can lead to job creation and economic growth in Washington, D.C., as well as support for initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting historical sites.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 186 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 186
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 22, 2025
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish
a commemorative work on the National Mall to honor the extraordinary
acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of
Honor recipients.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hershel `Woody' Williams National
Medal of Honor Monument Location Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Congress in 2021 unanimously passed, and the President
signed, Public Law 117-80 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note), which
authorized the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to
establish on Federal land in the District of Columbia a
commemorative work to honor the acts of valor, selfless
service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients.
(2) The Medal of Honor was established by President Abraham
Lincoln and first awarded 160 years ago on March 25, 1863, and
is part of Lincoln's lasting and living legacy.
(3) In 1991, during the administration of President George
H.W. Bush, this legacy was extended further when National Medal
of Honor Day was established as March 25th of each year.
(4) The Medal of Honor is awarded to all branches of the
United States Armed Forces as our nation's highest recognition
for valor in combat.
(5) The number of living Medal of Honor recipients has been
steadily declining, making it even more crucial to honor and
recognize their heroic sacrifices and inspire future
generations.
(6) Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, the last World War II Medal
of Honor recipient, passed away in 2022 and laid in honor at
the United States Capitol.
(7) The Medal of Honor represents the very best of our
Nation--ordinary citizens, who took extraordinary action above
and beyond the call of duty and became heroes of our Republic.
(8) These examples inspire all citizens and ignite within
us the very spirit of America.
(9) The Medal of Honor rises to the level of supreme
national and historical importance necessary to warrant
representation on the National Mall.
(10) Locating the National Medal of Honor Monument in close
proximity to the Lincoln Memorial within the Reserve would be a
respectful extension of his enduring legacy and recognition of
what ordinary people can accomplish when working for the
greater good.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MONUMENT LOCATION.
(a) Site.--Notwithstanding section 8908(c) of title 40, United
States Code, the commemorative work authorized by section 1(a) of
Public Law 117-80 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note) shall be located within the
Reserve (as defined in section 8902(a) of title 40, United States
Code).
(b) Applicability of Commemorative Works Act.--Except as provided
in subsection (a), chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Commemorative Works Act''), shall apply to the
commemorative work.
Passed the House of Representatives January 21, 2025.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.