Expansion of Eligibility for Headstones, Markers, and Medallions for Medal of Honor Recipients
Floor Speech
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Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge all of our colleagues to support H.R. 4757, as amended. This bill would expand two different honors for our Nation's heroes, guaranteeing that their service would never be forgotten.
First, the bill would expand eligibility for a Presidential Memorial Certificate to members of the National Guard or Reserve. Mr. Speaker, Presidential Memorial Certificates are engraved certificates that are signed by the President and sent to a deceased servicemember's family, honoring their loved one's service and sacrifice to our country. My bill would ensure that all service is recognized and cherished because all servicemembers take the exact same oath to support and to defend the Constitution of the United States.
Second, H.R. 4757, as amended, would allow the VA to furnish a headstone, marker, or medallion signifying that the deceased was awarded the Medal of Honor. We all know that veterans who were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor, deserve to have their service recognized both in life and after they pass. This bill would make it easier for visitors at any cemetery to pay their respects to Medal of Honor recipients by allowing them to quickly identify our national heroes.
Moreover, these headstones, markers, or medallions will also continue to inspire the next generation of Americans who will be serving our country. I hope that in 100, 200, or even 1,000 years from now future Americans will still take the time to find the graves of these incredibly brave men and women and give thanks that they are living in the greatest Nation in the history of this world. This legislation would help us fulfill our duty as a nation to encourage continued respect and admiration for those that have gone on before us.
I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4757, as amended.
I reserve the balance of my time.
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