ARLINGTON, TX – (February 2, 2021) – Legislation was introduced today in the U.S. Senate authorizing the creation of a national monument in Washington, D.C., recognizing the Medal of Honor – our nation’s highest military award for valor in combat – and its fewer than 4,000 recipients.
The bipartisan National Medal of Honor Monument Act is sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). The bill establishes the creation of a monument that honors the unparalleled bravery demonstrated by those who earned the Medal of Honor and the values it represents – courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity and commitment. Companion legislation is expected to be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in coming weeks.
In support of the bill, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) provided testimony last year before the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission and met with senators to encourage their backing of the project. In his testimony before the Commission, Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady said that the monument will inspire Americans because “it’s about the values, not the valor.”
Following the bill’s introduction, the NMOHMF applauded the news and released the following statement:
“In our nation’s history, fewer than 4,000 brave Americans have received the Medal of Honor. This monument – in the heart of Washington, D.C. – will celebrate the values of the Medal that we all hold dear as Americans: courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity and commitment. I cannot think of a more unifying project and want to thank Sens. Cornyn and Kaine for their leadership. This monument will give all Americans a place to learn from those who have given so much in their service to our country, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill,” said NMOHMF CEO James T. Connors.
No federal funds will be used to create the monument. Instead, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation will be responsible for raising funds to cover the expenses associated with the project.
The creation of the Monument in Washington, D.C., will complement the future National Medal of Honor Museum which is being built in Arlington, Texas. In October, Museum Foundation officials released the first renderings of the Museum, designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. The Museum is expected to break ground on the project later this year, with an anticipated opening in 2024.
