A bipartisan bill recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) would authorize a location in Washington, D.C., for the new National Medal of Honor Monument.
“I look forward to bringing my children to D.C. to see this monument and reflect on our greatest patriots’ many sacrifices,” said Rep. Moore, who on April 19 sponsored the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, H.R. 2717.
The measure has 18 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. John Curtis (R-UT), Carol Miller (R-WV), August Pfluger (R-TX), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), and Marc Veasey (D-TX).
During the 117th Congress, Reps. Moore and Veasey successfully led the bipartisan National Medal of Honor Monument Act into enactment when President Joe Biden signed it into law in December 2021. The bill authorizes the monument’s creation in the nation’s capital to honor Medal of Honor recipients, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
H.R. 2717 is the next and final legislative step in establishing the monument’s location on the National Mall, the summary says.
“Last Congress, I was proud to help lead the effort to authorize the creation of a monument to honor our nation’s bravest heroes,” said Rep. Moore. “Today, we begin our work to build this monument on the National Mall. Congressman Veasey and I are resolved to share the stories of these amazing Medal of Honor recipients in the most appropriate place, and I am thrilled to continue our efforts on this important project.”
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest award for military valor in action and of the estimated 40 million individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the Civil War, fewer than 4,000 have been awarded the medal.
“The Medal of Honor exemplifies the best qualities of our brave soldiers,” said Rep. Veasey. “I am honored to join Rep. Moore to introduce the Medal of Honor Placement Act — bipartisan legislation that creates a monument to honor their service and sacrifice to our nation.”