Fischer Celebrates Senate Passage of Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medal to North Platte Canteen

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Deb Fischer's (R-NE) legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals who volunteered or contributed to the North Platte Canteen during World War II.

"This is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon civilians of this country, and everyone from the North Platte Canteen deserves it," Fischer said. "The Canteen was a beacon of hope for soldiers during such a troubling and uncertain time. Over 55,000 people sustained this effort for over four years, and every soldier that passed through saw the very best of what Nebraska has to offer. I thank my colleagues for understanding the significance of the North Platte Canteen, and for working with me to give them the recognition they deserve."

James Griffin, Director of the Lincoln County Historical Museum, said, " We are so excited to learn that the United States Senate has passed the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act today! This is well-deserved recognition for the 55,000 volunteers who served food to 6 million soldiers, sailors, and marines during World War II. The true effects of their selfless giving can't be quantified, but to the ordinary soldier who experienced the North Platte Canteen, they were nonetheless real. As real as bullets, tanks, and ships-and when the going got tough, it was the Canteen that buoyed their spirits. This bill would not have passed without the tireless efforts of Senator Deb Fischer. To her we want to say thank you-thank you on behalf of every volunteer of the North Platte Canteen and every member of the armed forces who visited the Canteen."

Brandon Kelliher, Mayor of North Platte, NE, said, "The Senate passage of the North Platte Canteen Congressional Medal Act is a proud and historic moment for our community, our region and our nation. This recognition honors the extraordinary generosity, patriotism, and unwavering spirit of the thousands of volunteers who showed America what service truly means. The legacy of the North Platte Canteen continues to inspire us, reminding future generations that compassion, sacrifice, and love of country can leave an impact far beyond our own time."

Fischer's legislation, the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act, was cosponsored by 76 Senators, including Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE).

Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Flood (NE-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02).

The House must now pass the bill before it is sent to the president to be signed into law.

Background:

The North Platte Canteen was a volunteer war effort at a railroad stop in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. Volunteers offered hospitality and friendship to soldiers traveling through the area on their way to the front lines.

An estimated 55,000 people from 125 communities throughout Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas contributed food, money, or time to serve the Canteen's estimated 6 million visitors.

The North Platte Canteen began on Christmas Day, 1941 and ended April 1, 1946. It was the largest community-based canteen in the U.S. and one of the largest volunteer efforts during World War II.

Fischer recently spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the end of the North Platte Canteen. Watch her remarks here.

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