WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), with Representatives David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.) and Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), wrote a letter to President Trump to urge him to designate a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient. 

The letter said in part, “Our West Virginia congressional delegation has been united in introducing bipartisan and bicameral legislation that calls for this momentous event, however the President of the United States has the sole authority to designate a state funeral. We believe that a single state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II would bring our country together like never before to honor the Greatest Generation and all the 16 million men and women who served from 1941 to 1945.” 

Read full letter below or click here: 

Dear President Trump, 

We are honored to write to you on behalf of all generations of patriotic West Virginia Veterans to request a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Our West Virginia congressional delegation has been united in introducing bipartisan and bicameral legislation that calls for this momentous event, however the President of the United States has the sole authority to designate a state funeral. We believe that a single state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II would bring our country together like never before to honor the Greatest Generation and all the 16 million men and women who served from 1941 to 1945. 

As you are well aware, Medals of Honor were awarded to 472 World War II Service Men and Women. Only two of those recipients are alive today, following the passing of Francis S. Currey last month.  Charles H. Coolidge and West Virginia’s own Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, are the last remaining Medal of Honor recipients. These brave individuals embody the sacrifice of the World War II era. Their stories of service during and after the military have inspired future generations to serve our Country. This may be our last chance to show our respect and gratitude to the Greatest Generation with our nation’s highest honor. 

When visitors come to West Virginia, we jump at the chance to tell them we are home to some of the most patriotic and hardworking people in the nation. We have always done the heavy lifting and never complained. We are so deeply proud of what West Virginians have achieved and what they will continue to accomplish for the cause of freedom. 

Woody Williams’ act of storming four enemy pillboxes under tremendous fire, and continuing to fight through the entire five week long campaign on Iwo Jima earned him the Medal of Honor. It is these displays of bravery and fortitude that we feel our nation should be reminded of. The Greatest Generation represents the very best of West Virginia and America. For this reason, we can think of no greater tribute than to honor the last of our national heroes of this generation with a state funeral.

 

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