[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 183 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H5416-H5418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HERSHEL ``WOODY'' WILLIAMS NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MONUMENT LOCATION
ACT
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 2717) to authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum
Foundation to establish a commemorative work on the National Mall to
honor the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice
displayed by Medal of Honor recipients, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2717
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hershel `Woody' Williams
National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Congress in 2021 unanimously passed, and the President
signed, Public Law 117-80 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note), which
authorized the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to
establish on Federal land in the District of Columbia a
commemorative work to honor the acts of valor, selfless
service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor
recipients.
(2) The Medal of Honor was established by President Abraham
Lincoln and first awarded 160 years ago on March 25, 1863,
and is part of Lincoln's lasting and living legacy.
(3) In 1991, during the administration of President George
H.W. Bush, this legacy was extended further when National
Medal of Honor Day was established as March 25th of each
year.
(4) The Medal of Honor is awarded to all branches of the
United States Armed Forces as our nation's highest
recognition for valor in combat.
(5) The number of living Medal of Honor recipients has been
steadily declining, making it even more crucial to honor and
recognize their heroic sacrifices and inspire future
generations.
(6) Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, the last World War II Medal
of Honor recipient, passed away in 2022 and laid in honor at
the United States Capitol.
(7) The Medal of Honor represents the very best of our
Nation--ordinary citizens, who took extraordinary action
above and beyond the call of duty and became heroes of our
Republic.
(8) These examples inspire all citizens and ignite within
us the very spirit of America.
(9) The Medal of Honor rises to the level of supreme
national and historical importance necessary to warrant
representation on the National Mall.
(10) Locating the National Medal of Honor Monument in close
proximity to the Lincoln Memorial within the Reserve would be
a respectful extension of his enduring legacy and recognition
of what ordinary people can accomplish when working for the
greater good.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MONUMENT LOCATION.
(a) Site.--Notwithstanding section 8908(c) of title 40,
United States Code, the commemorative work authorized by
section 1(a) of Public Law 117-80 (40 U.S.C. 8903 note) shall
be located within the Reserve (as defined in section 8902(a)
of title 40, United States Code).
(b) Applicability of Commemorative Works Act.--Except as
provided in subsection (a), chapter 89 of title 40, United
States Code (commonly known as the ``Commemorative Works
Act''), shall apply to the commemorative work.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
General Leave
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 2717, as amended, the bill now
under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, this Saturday is Veterans Day. There is perhaps no
greater way to celebrate this day than passing H.R. 2717, which seeks
to honor the valor and sacrifice of some of our Nation's bravest
heroes, Medal of Honor recipients.
Mr. Speaker, 160 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln awarded the
first Medal of Honor in the midst of the Civil War. It is our Nation's
highest honor awarded to members of the Armed Forces and is bestowed
sparingly to only those who have demonstrated the highest acts of
valor. Less than 100 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today out of
the more than 3,500 medals that have been awarded.
As the highest and most prestigious military decoration in the United
States, it symbolizes exceptional acts of bravery, selflessness, and
sacrifice beyond the call of duty. Through the recognition of these
remarkable individuals, the Medal of Honor inspires a sense of national
pride, honors the memory of fallen heroes, and motivates future
generations to embody the values of courage and honor. Inspired by the
Victoria Cross, the Medal of Honor continues to instill a profound
sense of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made in the defense
of freedom and justice.
Congressman Moore's bill, the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National
Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, would ensure that the monument
honoring these brave heroes can be placed on what is known as the
Reserve but is commonly referred to as The National Mall here in
Washington, D.C.
A monument honoring our most exceptional citizens should be reflected
in the location of the memorial. Millions of Americans and visitors
from across the world travel every year to our Nation's Capital to
learn about the history of our great Nation. According to National Park
Service data, The National Mall receives upward of 25 million visitors
each year. The monuments and memorials located on The National Mall are
the centerpiece of this history, and it is appropriate to include a new
monument honoring veterans who have displayed the most courageous acts
of valor recognized by our country.
In my home State of Arkansas, our State capital also has a memorial
dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients on its grounds. I hope this
monument in D.C., like the one in Arkansas, can inspire reflection,
patriotism, and gratitude for our Nation's military heroes.
Earlier this year, the Committee on Natural Resources had the
privilege of hearing from 1 of the 65 living Medal of Honor recipients,
Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt Slabinski. In
[[Page H5417]]
his inspiring testimony, he reminded us that the Medal of Honor serves
to represent those willing to go above and beyond in any circumstance,
no matter how small.
This monument will serve as an everlasting reminder of the greatness
of this country and the difference that one single person can make. The
legislation before us today, H.R. 2717, would authorize the location of
the national Medal of Honor memorial in a prominent location on The
National Mall, with the intent to keep it near the Lincoln Memorial, as
President Lincoln was the first to ever give out this special award.
Mr. Speaker, I was proud to support the original legislation
authorizing this memorial, and I am proud to be supporting this
subsequent legislation today.
Mr. Speaker, I note that this bill has been named after Hershel
``Woody'' Williams, who sadly passed away last year. He was known for
his extraordinary heroism in the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima during the
Second World War. At the young age of 21, he singlehandedly cleared a
path for American troops against Japanese forces in an act of
extraordinary bravery. This is a touching tribute in his honor.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank
Congressman Moore for his leadership, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2717, the Hershel ``Woody''
Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, introduced by
our colleague from Utah, Representative Blake Moore.
This legislation would authorize the construction of a Medal of Honor
memorial on The National Mall. The Medal of Honor is the highest
military decoration awarded to individuals whose extraordinary acts of
valor, selfless service, and sacrifice exceed the call of duty.
This memorial would honor over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, ensuring that
their courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and
commitment to preserving this great democracy of ours are preserved for
generations to come.
I thank Representative Moore and cosponsor Representative Marc Veasey
for their leadership on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to
vote ``yes'' on the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Utah (Mr. Moore), the lead sponsor of the bill.
Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2717, the
Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location
Act. I thank the chairman and ranking member for their leadership in
prioritizing this important piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, Woody Williams was born on a West Virginia dairy farm in
1923 and was first drawn to the Marine Corps by their trademark
uniforms. At 5-foot-6, Williams was unable to enlist in the Marines due
to height restrictions. After that regulation was changed in 1943,
Woody enlisted and was in the Pacific theater in 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 the
threat of enemy fire and bayonet charges over several hours while
singlehandedly destroying enemy pillboxes, or concrete trenches, to
make way for American tanks and infantry.
{time} 1615
His gallant actions took place on the same day as the famous flag
raising on Mount Suribachi, which he witnessed from about 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. He recognized 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. Some of my colleagues may remember
last summer when Hershel Williams lay in state in the U.S. Capitol
rotunda as the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away.
Since its inception by President Lincoln in 1862, 3,517 brave
soldiers have received the Nation's highest honor for going above and
beyond the call of duty and risking life and limb in selfless service
to their countrymen. This elite class represents less than 0.001
percent of the 40 million brave sons and daughters who have served in
the Armed Forces since the American Civil War.
While a permanent memorial for Medal of Honor recipients has been
discussed for years, it was not until 2021 when President Biden signed
a bill that Congressman Veasey and I introduced to authorize the
creation of a new monument to honor those who have been awarded the
Medal of Honor. Today, we continue this work to authorize the creation
of this monument in the Reserve, also known as the great cross-axis of
The National Mall.
The monument will stand as a testament to those who protect our
Nation's values, such as the nearly half dozen from my home State of
Utah. We envision it as an educational platform for future generations
to learn about what has been required to maintain our Republic.
By siting this monument near the Lincoln Memorial, we can pay fitting
tribute to the President who established the award and embodied its
principles. Our work to form a more perfect Union is unending, and I
find it fitting that a monument honoring our Nation's greatest heroes
will be visible from the memorial honoring one of our greatest martyrs.
Today, our Nation finds itself sharply divided along partisan lines.
This monument will remind our great Nation and its people that there is
far more that unites us than divides us. It is my hope that
constructing this monument in its rightful place will inspire all
Americans and allow us to pay our respects to and learn from these
individuals and these families who, in Lincoln's words, ``have laid so
costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.''
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2717.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Veasey), the co-lead of the legislation.
Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge the passage of the
Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location
Act.
The Medal of Honor is our Nation's highest military decoration that
is awarded to U.S. servicemembers who have distinguished themselves
with extraordinary acts of valor and sacrifice that far exceed the call
of duty.
Texas, my home State, is home to over 70 valiant Medal of Honor
recipients, and we also have over 1 million veterans and Active Duty
military that call the Lone Star State their home. That is why I teamed
up with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore), my good friend, again to
lead the passage of this Act.
Last year, we had the opportunity to work on a designation for a
National Medal of Honor Museum being built in Arlington, Texas, that
was in my district at the time. This amazing bill will authorize a
monument right here in Washington, D.C., for Medal of Honor recipients,
their families, their friends, loved ones and people who want to learn
more about the history of the Medal of Honor to be able to come to D.C.
and see why it is important that we create this lasting impact to the
recipients of this highest award.
Today's bill, the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor
Monument Location Act, is a continuation of the efforts that we worked
on last year and will position this monument where it rightfully
belongs, near the Lincoln Memorial, honoring President Lincoln, who was
awarded one of the first Medals of Honor in 1863.
I end today by thanking Congressman Moore for continuing to work with
me on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this new
bill that commemorates the bravery, service, and sacrifice of more than
3,500 Medal of Honor recipients that have lived across our communities
here in the USA.
[[Page H5418]]
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
West Virginia (Mrs. Miller).
Mrs. MILLER of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in
favor of the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor
Monument Location Act, which would locate the new National Medal of
Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial on The National Mall here in
Washington, D.C.
Woody was an American hero from my home State of West Virginia. When
he passed away last year, we paid tribute to him as he was laid in
honor in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. It was his dream to
honor the final Medal of Honor recipient in our Capitol, never dreaming
that it would have been himself.
Woody was a country boy. He tried to enlist at the age of 16. He
wasn't very tall and he wasn't allowed in then, but he made it in at 17
years old. He grew up hunting on a farm and was always a good shot. He
loved his country more than anything, and he would do anything possible
to defend it, so he did. He really epitomized that great, great
Greatest Generation.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his courage in the
battle of Iwo Jima where he singlehandedly--he was the guy that made
the shot--fought the Japanese with the flamethrowers, clearing the path
for more American troops.
Marines raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi--we can visualize
that picture because we have all seen it--that very day, resulting in
the iconic photo that showed that America was winning the war in the
Pacific.
Woody was not just a constituent and a hero; he was a friend. I
served with him for years in Rotary, right there in little Milton, West
Virginia. His legacy of service, dedication, and patriotism will live
through the countless lives that he touched. His impact on our West
Virginia community cannot be overstated, as his service to our veterans
has continued and continued long after his career in the Marine Corps.
With Veterans Day on Saturday, this bill couldn't be more timely to
honor our servicemen and -women who are willing to make the ultimate
sacrifice for our freedom.
This monument pays tribute to the recipients of America's highest
military honor for valor in combat.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the
gentlewoman from West Virginia.
Mrs. MILLER of West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the monument will remind
future generations of the values that shaped and preserved our great
Nation. I urge every Republican and Democrat in the House and Senate to
vote for this bill.
Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to
close.
Let me just comment on all the commentary from the sponsors of the
legislation, Mr. Westerman, and our other colleagues, who outlined the
importance of the legislation and the memorial.
There is a border community in my district, Douglas, and very
prominent in their plaza is a memorial to all the men and women who
have died in combat from that region, from the community of Douglas and
from the county of Cochise.
I was talking to one of the VFW commanders on that visit, and he
said: In this plaque, in this piece of granite, we have every
ethnicity, every creed, representing different histories and cultures,
and they all bled, and some died together in defense of this country.
I think this memorial will go a long way to say if that kind of
sacrifice and that kind of unity is possible under the most extreme of
circumstances, certainly being able to live in some sense of unity
should be an ongoing goal. I think that will be part of what this
memorial will mean to people.
Mr. Speaker I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Grijalva and all
the cosponsors of this bill and the great bipartisan work that has gone
into making this happen. What a fitting tribute to Mr. Williams to name
this bill after him.
I think back about a codel we made this past summer down to the
country of Palau. We went out to a small island called Peleliu where
one of the most bitter battles of World War II was fought. On that
small island, really in a very hard place to get to, there stands a
small monument to commemorate eight U.S. servicemembers who received
the Medal of Honor in one battle.
As we were there, I thought not many Americans are ever going to get
to see this small monument, and it made me realize how important it is
that we do this monument here in Washington, D.C., to recognize not
just Mr. Williams but all those who have served, to honor their memory,
to remember their legacy, and to stand unwavering in our commitment to
upholding the principles for which they fought so valiantly.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2717, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this question will be postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
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