The Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act allows the National Medal of Honor Monument to be built on federal land near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring Medal of Honor recipients.
Blake Moore
Representative
UT-1
The "Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act" allows the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to build a monument on federal land in Washington, D.C., to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It places the National Medal of Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial, and overrides location restrictions to allow it to be within the Reserve, as defined in section 8902. All other provisions regarding commemorative works still apply.
| Party | Total Votes | Yes | No | Did Not Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 217 | 212 | 0 | 5 |
Democrat | 215 | 202 | 0 | 13 |
National Medal of Honor Monument Gets Green Light Near Lincoln Memorial, Set to Honor Valor
The "Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act" clears the way for a new monument in a prime spot on the National Mall, right near the Lincoln Memorial. This isn't just any spot – it's within the Reserve, an area usually off-limits for new structures. Basically, Congress is making a special exception to honor Medal of Honor recipients.
Breaking Ground, Bending Rules
This act directly overrides the usual restrictions outlined in title 40, United States Code, section 8908(c). What that boils down to is this: the monument gets a prestigious location that would normally be a no-go. The bill, named after the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel "Woody" Williams, emphasizes the importance of remembering these acts of valor, especially as the number of living recipients dwindles. It aims to create a place to honor their sacrifices and inspire future generations by showcasing what ordinary citizens can achieve.
Real-World Reflections
Imagine a veteran visiting D.C., standing where Lincoln once stood, and now seeing a monument that directly connects that legacy to the incredible courage shown by Medal of Honor recipients. It's about linking the past to the present, reminding everyone of the extraordinary acts performed by ordinary people. This move also means that tourists and locals alike will have a new, powerful place of reflection on the Mall. Because the monument is placed in such a significant location, it could draw more visitors and boost awareness of military history and the values these individuals represent. The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is behind the project, gets a major win by securing this prominent location.
Laying Down the Legacy
While this act bypasses some standard rules, it keeps all other regulations from chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, in place. These rules cover things like design approval and maintenance, ensuring the monument meets all the necessary standards. The bill also notes that the Medal of Honor, first awarded 160 years ago, is a direct legacy of President Lincoln, making the location near his memorial particularly fitting. It's a way to extend his vision and remind people of the extraordinary courage shown by everyday Americans in service to the country.