Washington, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) introduced HR 186, the National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, in the U.S. Senate. The legislation, which was approved unanimously by the U.S. House in the first weeks of the new Congress, would locate the new National Medal of Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

 

“Today, Congress took another step to advance this bipartisan bill to celebrate the lives, legacies and values of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, and share them with future generations,” said National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation President and CEO Chris Cassidy. “We’re grateful for Sen. Justice’s work to pay tribute to the Recipients of the Medal and the values they represent: courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism and citizenship. We urge the Senate to quickly pass this historic legislation and send it on to President Trump for his signature into law.”

 

The Senate introduction follows a unanimous, bipartisan vote by the U.S. House in January approving the legislation. The Monument has enjoyed strong support by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with Congress first voting unanimously in 2021 to authorize its creation. According to that original 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.

 

“For the few remaining living Recipients, many in the twilight of their lives, this Monument will be a permanent testament to their service and sacrifice – and a reminder for everyday Americans of the values and ideals that unite us as a country,” Cassidy said.

 

Sen. Justice was joined in introducing the bill by seven co-sponsors: Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), Sen. Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sen. James Risch (R-ID) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).

 

The creation of the monument in Washington, D.C. will complement the future National Medal of Honor Museum, scheduled to open on March 25 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.