Congressman Blake Moore Joins President Trump at National Medal of Honor Monument Bill Signing
ARLINGTON, TX — Today, Congressman Blake Moore joined President Trump as he signed into law the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act.
Introduced by Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX), this legislation is the final legislative step in establishing a location for a monument recognizing America’s Medal of Honor recipients on the National Mall. This legislation is named after Woody Williams, the last WWII Medal of Honor recipient to pass away.
“It was a privilege to stand with President Trump at the Medal of Honor Museum as he signed into law my bill to enact a Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall," Congressman Moore said. "This effort was among my first when I came to Congress, and to watch this legislation successfully cross the finish line was very special. I look forward to bringing my boys to the monument one day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who valiantly fought for our freedoms. Thank you, President Trump, for believing in this initiative and honoring our heroes.”
"I'm thrilled to be here at the National Medal of Honor Museum. It's an American treasure devoted to the best and bravest warriors of our country. Those honored in this museum did more than answer the call, they stormed into hellfire and crushed America's enemies. They had bravery like few people could even think of having. With this museum and a new monument in Washington, D.C., America will never ever forget what they did and what they risked,” President Trump said during his remarks.
"America’s war heroes, who fought bravely and with distinction, should have a prominent monument on the National Mall alongside other great Americans," House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) said. "I look forward to working with the administration to place this monument near the Lincoln Memorial, a fitting continuation of Lincoln’s legacy as the first President to present the Medal of Honor on behalf of Congress during the height of the Civil War. I’m grateful to be at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Dallas with President Trump as he signs this historic legislation into law, and I thank Representative Moore and Senator Justice for leading the Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act."
During the 117th Congress, Congressmen Moore and Veasey successfully led the bipartisan National Medal of Honor Monument Act through the legislative process to authorize the creation of a new monument in Washington, D.C., to honor Medal of Honor recipients. The bill was signed by President Biden in December of 2021. The Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act is the next and final legislative step in establishing a location for the monument on the National Mall.
Background
Hershel “Woody” Williams was born in West Virginia in 1923. He enlisted in the Marines in 1943 and was in the Pacific Theater within less than 90 days. On February 21, 1945, then Corporal Williams landed on the beach at Iwo Jima, where he distinguished himself by repeatedly risking himself to enemy fire and bayonet charges over several hours, while single-handedly destroying enemy pillboxes, or concrete trenches, to make way for American tanks and infantry. His gallant actions took place on the same day as the famous flag raising on Mount Suribachi, which he witnessed from 1,000 yards away.
After returning home, President Harry Truman awarded Corporal Hershel Williams the Medal of Honor—our nation’s highest recognition for valor in combat—for his “aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action, [sustaining] and [enhancing] the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” Following his distinguished Marine career, Williams continued to serve others in many capacities. He lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in the summer of 2022 as the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away.
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. An estimated 40 million individuals have served in the United States Armed Forces since the Civil War. Fewer than 4,000 have been awarded the Medal of Honor. President Abraham Lincoln awarded the first Medals of Honor more than 160 years ago on March 25, 1863, forever tying the Medal to his lasting and living legacy. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush further extended this legacy by establishing March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day.