WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCHS) — The life and legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams were honored on Wednesday by West Virginia's two U.S. senators, who recalled a humble, dedicated man who always wanted the attention focused on all who had served their country rather than himself.

 

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and U.S. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., spoke from the U.S. Senate floor Wednesday evening about Williams, who is set to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.

 

Williams' remains traveled aboard a C-130 airplane while a charter flight on Wednesday afternoon transported the Williams family from West Virginia International Yeager Airport to Washington, D.C.

 

Manchin began by recognizing Woody’s family members for attending the event, calling Williams’ relatives “the legacy he was most proud of.”

 

The senator spoke of past projects Williams had worked on to honor Gold Star families including motorcycle rides, founding Gold Star Children’s Day, and constructing more than 100 monuments spanning all 50 states.

 

Manchin said that Williams wished to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol to represent all Medal of Honor recipients.

 

“Woody can rest in peace knowing his mission is complete," Manchin said.

 

Capito referred to Williams as "our native son and our hero."

 

"Woody Williams was a man of uncommon valor," Capito recalled. "He was also a patriot, a caretaker for veterans and someone who looked out for our Gold Star families who had lost a loved one in combat. He really never gave up on the concept that he himself, through the power of his generation, could make a real difference, and he did. He made a difference every single day of his life."

 

Williams died on June 29 at age 98, passing away at a VA medical center in Huntington that bears his name.

 

A ceremonial arrival at the U.S. Capitol is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Congressional leadership is set to make remarks at 11 a.m.

 

Viewing will be open to the public from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

 

A wreath laying ceremony at the nation's World War II Memorial will take place at 4 p.m.

Eyewitness News Anchor Dave Benton will be in Washington, D.C., Thursday, providing coverage as the nation honors the late Hershel "Woody" Williams.