The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is advancing its mission with three key initiatives: the construction of the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, the establishment of the National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and the creation of the National Medal of Honor Institute.
The monument, which requires an act of Congress for its construction, received unanimous approval from both the House and Senate in 2021, with the legislation signed into law by the President in December of that year. The foundation is currently seeking to secure a second act of Congress to allow the monument to be built within 1,000 feet of the Lincoln Memorial, a location chosen to honor President Lincoln's signing of the Medal of Honor into law in 1861. While the House has already passed this new legislation, the Senate's approval is still pending, and the foundation remains hopeful for a resolution this year, though they are prepared to continue their efforts into the next year if necessary.
In addition to the monument, the National Medal of Honor Institute is already operational, featuring three centers of excellence focused on education. The institute has developed a comprehensive K-12 education program, led by a retired Coast Guard commander, which aims to promote the values and history associated with the Medal of Honor. The foundation is committed to fostering educational initiatives alongside its monumental projects, ensuring that the legacy of the Medal of Honor is preserved and celebrated for future generations.