U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) honored Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, during the lying in honor ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The Senators also honored Woody Williams with a wreath laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Woody Williams is the seventh American and first West Virginian to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol.

 

“Today, Woody Williams became the seventh American to lay in honor at the U.S. Capitol. It was a fitting tribute for the boy from Quiet Dell, West Virginia who saved countless lives at Iwo Jima through his heroic actions, became a tireless advocate for Veterans across America and West Virginia, and was the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient,” said Senator Manchin. “I had the honor of calling Woody a dear friend, and I am determined to carry on his great legacy in West Virginia and across the nation. Woody represents the spirit of the Greatest Generation and those 16 million Americans who answered the call to service in World War II, and the entire nation will always be grateful for their service and sacrifice.”

 

“Today, our nation honored one of West Virginia’s proudest sons in the U.S. Capitol, a recognition bestowed on just a handful of American citizens throughout our history. Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams embodied everything the Greatest Generation stood for: pride in our country, service over self, and bravery in the face of adversity. Our entire state mourns his passing, and celebrates a life well-lived and a nation well-served. We’ll miss Woody’s unmatched energy, sense of humor, and passion for imparting wisdom to younger Americans. It’s rare for anyone to lie in honor in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, but through his heroic acts on the battlefield and dedication to his fellow veterans after the war, Woody proved he was a rare hero indeed, and today was a fitting tribute to a great man,” Senator Capito said.