S. 858

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

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.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · March 5, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Justice · Committee: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Table of contents

• S. 858
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Findings
  • SEC. 3. National Medal of Honor Monument Location

SEC. 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:
  • Congress in 2021 unanimously passed, and the President signed, ( 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. Public Law 117–80; 40 U.S.C. 8903
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hershel Williams, the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient, passed away in 2022 and laid in honor at the United States Capitol. Woody
  • 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.
  • These examples inspire all citizens and ignite within us the very spirit of America.
  • The Medal of Honor rises to the level of supreme national and historical importance necessary to warrant representation on the National Mall.
  • 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 ( note) shall be located within the Reserve (as defined in section 8902(a) of title 40, United States Code). Public Law 117–80; 40 U.S.C. 8903
• (b) Applicability of Commemorative Works Act
  • Except as provided in subsection (a), of title 40, United States Code (commonly known as the ), shall apply to the commemorative work. Commemorative Works Act chapter 89