This bill designates a location within the Reserve area of Washington, D.C., for the National Medal of Honor Monument, honoring recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Jim Justice
Senator
WV
The Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act designates a site within the Reserve area of Washington, D.C., for the construction of the National Medal of Honor Monument. This monument, authorized in 2021, will honor Medal of Honor recipients from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The goal is to commemorate their valor and inspire future generations by establishing a lasting tribute near the Lincoln Memorial. Construction will adhere to federal regulations, ensuring the monument appropriately represents the extraordinary actions and spirit of American heroes.
Congress Designates Location for National Medal of Honor Monument in DC's Reserve Area
This act, named the 'Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act', officially designates the spot where a previously authorized monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients will be built. It specifically allows the monument to be constructed within 'the Reserve' area in Washington, D.C., a zone generally kept free of new construction near the National Mall.
Pinpointing the Placement
The core of this legislation (Section 3) is about location. Back in 2021, Public Law 117-80 gave the thumbs-up to create a monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients. This new act takes the next step by specifying where it can go. It carves out an exception, permitting the monument within 'the Reserve,' an area defined in federal law (section 8902 of title 40, United States Code). The bill's findings (Section 2) emphasize the significance of this placement, suggesting proximity to the Lincoln Memorial connects the tribute to President Lincoln, who established the Medal in 1863, and underscores the importance of honoring the dwindling number of living recipients.
Following the Rulebook
While this act sets the location, it doesn't rewrite the rulebook for building monuments in the capital. Section 3 confirms that the existing federal guidelines for commemorative works, laid out in chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, will still apply to the design and construction process. Essentially, this bill provides the necessary geographical permission, ensuring the project adheres to established procedures for memorials in Washington, D.C.