North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill honors the people and communities who ran the North Platte Canteen in Nebraska during World War II by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. The canteen greeted passing troops and, with help from about 55,000 volunteers across 125 towns, served roughly 6 million service members between December 25, 1941, and April 1, 1946. It formally recognizes their support for soldiers during the war.

After the award, the medal would be kept at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte for public display and research. The U.S. Mint could make and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with expenses paid from the Mint’s fund and any sales money returned to that fund.

• Who is recognized: Individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II.
• What changes: Creates a national honor; directs the medal to be displayed at a local museum; allows bronze duplicates to be sold to cover costs.
• When: Honors service from December 25, 1941, to April 1, 1946.