President Trump Signs Historic Legislation Honoring Great American War Heroes

Today, President Trump signed the Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act into law. Sponsored by Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) in the House and U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-W.V.) in the Senate, this bipartisan, bicameral legislation ensures the National Medal of Honor Monument will be located in a place of prominence on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

"America's war heroes, who fought bravely and with distinction, should have a prominent monument on the National Mall alongside other great Americans. 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." - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

"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. 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." - U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah)

Background

The Medal of Honor is the United States military's highest and most prestigious award for valor. It is presented by the President, on behalf of Congress, to service members who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.

In 2021, Congress authorized the creation of the National Medal of Honor Monument to recognize the extraordinary courage, service, and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients. The Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act ensures the monument will be located on the National Mall, placing it among the nation's most prominent monuments and memorials.

Legislation securing a location for the monument passed the House unanimously in the 118^th and 119^th Congresses. In March 2026, the Senate passed similar legislation by unanimous consent, and the bill most recently passed the House by a unanimous voice vote on August 31, 2026.

The legislation is named in honor of Hershel 'Woody' Williams, a U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. At 21 years old, Williams spent hours under intense enemy fire to clear a path for American troops. Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, passed away in June 2022 at the age of 98.

The legislation advances President Trump's Executive Order 14189, "Celebrating America's 250^th Birthday," and Executive Order 14252, "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful."

Read full text of the legislation here. A one pager can be found here.