Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act

This legislation sets the location for a new monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients. It requires the monument to be placed inside the “Reserve,” the central cross-axis of the National Mall that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial. The monument will honor extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice by Medal of Honor recipients.

It makes an exception to the usual rule that new memorials are not allowed in the Reserve, while keeping the other normal rules for memorials in place under the Commemorative Works Act. The findings explain why this site matters: the Medal’s long history, fewer living recipients today, and a connection to Abraham Lincoln—placing the monument near the Lincoln Memorial would respectfully extend his legacy.

• Who is affected: Visitors to the National Mall and the families and communities of Medal of Honor recipients.
• What changes: The monument must be within the Reserve; an exception is made to allow this location; other standard memorial rules still apply .
• Why it matters: To honor courageous service and inspire future generations, noting the Medal’s legacy and the declining number of living recipients.