In Arlington, Texas, President Trump signed the Hershel 'Woody' Williams Act on September 10, 2026. This new legislation establishes a monument near the Lincoln Memorial to honor military heroes.
A bipartisan six-year consensus for the National Mall
The Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act represents a rare moment of legislative unity in Washington. as the report notes, both the House and Senate passed the bill with unanimous votes over a six-year period, reflecting a deep-seated national desire for symbols of shared heritage. During the signing ceremony, President Trump accepted an honorary director title from the msueum foundation and received the Champion of Honor Award.
The decision to place the monument near the Lincoln Memorial is deeply symbolic of the medal's history. Charlotte Jones, chairman of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Board, explained that the site was chosen to honor President Abraham Lincoln, who originally created the Medal of Honor in 1861. This connection aims to extend Lincoln's legacy by celebrating what ordinary people can achieve when working for the greater good.
Private finacning for the Hershel 'Woody' Williams monument
Private fundraising will serve as the primary financial engine for the new monument rather than federal taxpayer dollars. According to the source,this commitment to private funding is intended to keep the project's costs within manageable limits while maintaining the dignity of the initiative. This approach avoids the budgetary friction often associated with large-scale public works on the National Mall.
The National Medal of Honor Museum, which hosted the signing event, has already earned significant international acclaim. The facility was recently named the Best New Museum in America by USA Today and received praise from the Prix Versailles as one of the world's most beautiful museums. The museum intends to serve as a cultural and educational hub that brings the stories of recipients to the general public.
Honoring the 4,000 recipients among 40 million veterans
The monument aims to honor an incredibly small and elite group of service members. While approximately 40 million Americans have served in the military, the report states that fewer than 4,000 have earned the Medal of Honor. This distinction underscores the profound meaning of the tribute and the importance of preserving the legacy of these individuals.
The project is guided by the principle of "values over valor," focusing on the character of the recipients. Major General Patrick Brady (Ret.), a Medal of Honor recipient himself, noted that the project will ensure that those who served alongside these heroes will forever have a place of honor in "America's front yard." The monument is intended to be a permanent testament to the service and sacrifice of these individuals.
The National Park Service's search for a specific site
The National Park Service is now tasked with the next logistical phase of the project. The agency must identify a specific, suitable site near the Lincoln Memorial that can accommodate the new structure. This process will involve careful planning to ensure the monument integrates with the existing landscape of the National Mall.
A design competition will eventually determine the monument's final aesthetic and placement. The foundation plans to launch this competition with a specific focus on how the monument's sightlines interact with other major landmarks on the National Mall. One remaining question is how the final design will balance the monument's presence with the existing historical monuments in the immediate vicinity.
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