The American Legion Hails Congressional Decision to Grant State Honors to Medal of Honor Recipient

INDIANAPOLIS, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard thanked congressional leaders for their decision to allow Hershel W. "Woody" Williams to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda.

"We are grateful that Sen. (Chuck) Schumer and Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi recognize the outstanding service provided by the last Medal of Honor recipient to pass away from World War II," Dillard said. "Woody was not just an amazing Marine, he was an outstanding veterans advocate. He is responsible for Gold Star Family memorials being placed in communities across the country. After his Marine Corps career, he continued to serve veterans as a VA counselor. We were proud to have Hershel W. Williams as a member of The American Legion for 72 years. Delegates to our national convention in 2018 unanimously passed a resolution to honor the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient with a state funeral.  We believe this distinction is well-deserved and a meaningful reminder to all that we owe our very survival as a nation to the veterans of World War II."

About The American Legion
The American Legion, the nation's largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of "Veterans Strengthening America." Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.  Nearly 1.8 million members in more than 12,500 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Contact: John Raughter, Media Relations
jraughter@legion.org or 317-630-1350

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SOURCE The American Legion

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