Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act
This bill, the Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, would authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative monument on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It directs that the monument be located within the National Mall Reserve, near the Lincoln Memorial, aligning with the legacy of the Medal of Honor and specifically referencing Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient. The bill relies on authority previously granted in Public Law 117-80 (2021) and provides a location-specific exception to existing site restrictions, while maintaining that the commemorative work remains subject to the general Commemorative Works Act requirements, except as expressly provided. The text does not authorize new funding.
Key Points
- 1Authorization for a commemorative monument: The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is empowered to establish a commemorative work on federal land in Washington, DC to honor Medal of Honor recipients.
- 2Specific site designation: The monument would be placed within the National Mall Reserve, in close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial.
- 3Override of certain location rules: The bill states that, notwithstanding existing restrictions in 40 U.S.C. 8908(c), the commemorative work shall be located in the Reserve.
- 4Application of the Commemorative Works Act: Except for the location carve-out, the standard Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. chapter 89) would apply to the monument.
- 5Foundational and memorial rationale: The bill's findings emphasize the history of the Medal of Honor, the living legacy of recipients, and specifically highlight Hershel “Woody” Williams as the last WWII recipient, framing the monument as a fitting tribute on the National Mall.