WASHINGTON, D.C. – (July 26, 2021) – The National Medal of Honor Monument Act unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives today, showing clear bipartisan support. The legislation, which now moves to the Senate, would authorize the creation of a monument in Washington, D.C. to recognize the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military award for valor in combat.
The National Medal of Honor Monument Act – H.R. 1664 – was introduced in the House earlier this year by Reps. Marc Veasey (D-TX) and Blake Moore (R-UT). Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have also introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate – S. 172. The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) will be responsible for raising funds to cover the expenses associated with the project, and no federal funds will be used to create the Monument. The project will complement the future National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, TX.
“The brave Medal of Honor recipients are patriots who have put their lives on the line to ensure that we can live freely and prosperously in the greatest nation on earth,” said Rep. Marc Veasey. “That is why from the beginning, I have been proud to spearhead this legislation that will create a place to pay homage to these recipients and the values that the Medal of Honor represents – values of courage, patriotism, commitment, and sacrifice.”
“A monument in our nation’s capital will commemorate the bravery of our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients for current and future generations. We must never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedoms. With this project, we will have a place to learn from and reflect on their service,” said Rep. Blake Moore.
“Fewer than 4,000 Americans have received the Medal of Honor since its founding during the Civil War, and today there are only 67 recipients alive. A Monument in our nation’s capital will celebrate the values and stories of our nation’s greatest heroes, but time is of the essence to get this project done. We want to thank Reps. Veasey and Moore, as well as Sens. Cornyn and Kaine, for their invaluable leadership. This is a Monument to unite all Americans, and we urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill and send it to President Biden’s desk,” said NMOHMF CEO James T. Connors.
