Ulysses S. Grant honored under bipartisan Wagner, Blunt resolution

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) recently led a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to honor Ulysses S. Grant, who as a commanding general led the Union Armies to victory over the Confederacy in the American Civil War and later was elected the 18th President of the United States.

“At a time when our nation was the most divided it has ever been, Ulysses S. Grant not only answered the call of duty, but also helped recruit volunteers to protect our union,” said Rep. Wagner, chair of the House Suburban Caucus. “Without Grant’s leadership and perseverance, the very fabric of our nation may have been lost.”

Rep. Wagner on Sept. 14 sponsored the Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act, House Joint Resolution 58, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) to provide for the appointment of Grant to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States. Sen. Blunt plans to introduce a similar resolution in his chamber.

“I’m proud to join Congresswoman Ann Wagner in this effort to honor Ulysses S. Grant and his efforts to preserve and defend our Union,” said Sen. Blunt. “As we approach the bicentennial of Grant’s birth early next year, this is a fitting moment to reflect on his fight for a more perfect Union, and honor his legacy and the legacy of all of the service members who have fought for this nation and the values we stand for.”

The Grant Monument Association and the Ulysses S. Grant Association support the resolution and urged Congress to pass it so that President Joe Biden can make the requested appointment in time for Grant’s 200th birthday on April 27, 2022.

The resolution would end the confusion that exists between the previously established “General of the Army” position, which Grant held, “General of the Armies,” the position created in 1799 and then re-established in 1919. In 1976, Congress clarified that “General of the Armies of the United States” is the highest rank in the U.S. Army when it posthumously promoted George Washington to the grade in honor of the nation’s bicentennial. The Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act would promote Grant to the same rank as George Washington.