Signature Comes After Bill Unanimously Approved by Both Chambers of Congress
Washington, D.C. – (December 27, 2021) – The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation today celebrated the signing into law of legislation authorizing 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. President Biden signed the bill today, following its bipartisan, unanimous approval by both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
This Congress, the National Medal of Honor Monument Act was introduced in the Senate by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and in the House of Representatives by Representatives Marc Veasey (D-TX) and Blake Moore (R-UT). Following the bill’s signing by the President, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF) applauded the news and released the following statement:
“Recognition in our nation’s capital for those who received our country’s highest award for valor in combat is long overdue. Thank you to President Biden for swiftly signing this bipartisan legislation. We are ready to recognize the valor of these great heroes and all those they served alongside with a place of inspiration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. More importantly, this monument will be a beacon for the enduring values the Medal of Honor represents: courage and sacrifice, commitment and integrity, citizenship and patriotism,” said Chris Cassidy, NMOHMF president and CEO.
Fewer than 4,000 Americans have received the Medal of Honor since its founding during the Civil War. Today, there are only 66 recipients alive. The President’s signature comes a day after the death of Medal of Honor recipient Gary Beikirch, who earned the Medal while serving in the Vietnam War. Sgt. Beikirch’s passing underscores the need to quickly establish a Monument in honor of our nation’s greatest military heroes – as many of those still living are in the twilight of their lives – so they and their families may experience it for themselves.
No federal funds will be used to build the monument. Instead, the NMOHMF 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, to break ground in Arlington, Texas, early next year.
