Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass H.R. 186, the National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, within weeks of the opening of the new Congress. Reintroduced earlier this year by U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), the bipartisan H.R. 186 would locate the new National Medal of Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

 

During the 118^th Congress, in 2023, the House unanimously passed the bill, known then as H.R. 2717. Despite unanimous support in the House and compelling testimony in the Senate, the legislation unfortunately was not considered by the full Senate before the session’s conclusion.

 

“Today, the House of Representatives moved quickly to advance a bipartisan bill to uphold and honor the recipients of the Medal and the values they represent: courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism and citizenship,” said National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation President and CEO Chris Cassidy. “At a time when many Americans feel we are more divided than ever, Republicans and Democrats came together within a month of the start of the new Congress to pass this bill honoring America’s heroes.”

 

“We urge the Senate to do the same, quickly sending this historic legislation on to President Trump. With the Senate’s approval and President Trump’s signature, we will take another important step forward in our work to establish a place of honor for America’s heroes in our nation’s capital,” Cassidy said.

 

In 2021, Congress unanimously approved legislation authorizing the creation of the Monument. According to that legislation, the National Medal of Honor Monument will serve not only as a “respectful extension” of Lincoln’s legacy as the creator of the Medal, but also as a tribute to “what ordinary people can accomplish when working for the greater good.” Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, fewer than 4,000 have earned the Medal of Honor. Of those, only 61 are living today.

 

The creation of the monument in Washington, D.C. will complement the future National Medal of Honor Museum, scheduled to open this March in Arlington, TX. No federal funds will be used to build the monument. The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation will be responsible for raising funds to cover expenses associated with the project.

 

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About the National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute

The National Medal of Honor Museum, Monument and Griffin Institute will inspire individuals by honoring and preserving the history of the highest military decoration awarded for valor in combat.

  

The Museum, opening in 2025, will serve as a national landmark located in America’s heartland in Arlington, Texas, and provide an unrivaled, interactive visitor experience that commemorates the historical thread of sacrifice, patriotism, and courage that connects members of the United States military service past and present. It is the Museum’s mission to tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients in a dynamic and interactive setting that will inspire visitors to recognize the potential for the extraordinary that resides in us all. 

 

Through dynamic and far-reaching curriculum and programming, the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute is bringing to life the core values inherent to the Medal of Honor in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities around the country.

 

In 2021, The National Medal of Honor Monument Act was signed into law, paving the way for the monument’s placement in Washington, D.C. Soon, Americans and visitors of every nation will have the opportunity to reflect on the values represented by those whose selfless and courageous actions have served to safeguard freedom and democracy the world over.

 

For more information please visit the National Medal of Honor Museum website or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.