Bennet, Fischer, Colleagues Celebrate Senate Passage of Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medal to North Platte Canteen

Jun 22, 2026 | Press Releases

Denver - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and colleagues to celebrate the unanimous passage of the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or contributed to the North Platte Canteen during World War II.

"This legislation honors our history and the many Coloradans who volunteered at the North Platte Canteen during World War II," said Bennet. "These Americans generously donated their time, hospitality, and essential supplies to support millions of servicemembers, and I am glad that the Senate passed this important bill unanimously. These individuals' service and the example they set for all of us will remain an inspiration for generations to come."

"This is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon civilians of this country, and everyone from the North Platte Canteen deserves it," said Fischer. "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."

The North Platte Canteen was a civilian volunteer effort at the North Platte Depot in Nebraska, a major railroad stop through which approximately six million American servicemembers traveled during World War II. An estimated 55,000 people from 125 communities throughout Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas contributed food, money, and hospitality in what was the largest community-based canteen in U.S. history. Coloradans from Eastern Plains communities - including Julesburg, Ovid, Sedgwick, Amherst, Holyoke, and Haxtun - volunteered at the North Platte Canteen. This bill will honor and provide long-overdue recognition to all those who contributed.

In February 2025, Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper joined Nebraska U.S. Senators Fischer and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) in introducing the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act along with 73 Senate colleagues. U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) also introduced a companion bill in the House. The House must now pass the bill before it is sent to the president to be signed into law.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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