Congresswoman calls for legislation allowing Woody Williams to lie in state

UPDATE 6/29/22 @ 9:15 p.m.

WASHINGTON (WSAZ) - On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging her to quickly pass the resolution to allow Hershel “Woody” Williams to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol.

Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient, died Wednesday morning at the VA Medical Center in Wayne County, West Virginia, that bears his name.

Miller posted a statement on Twitter, that reads in part: “I urge you to act quickly. Woody was the last remaining WWII Medal of Honor recipient. Bestowing this honor to woody would not only recognize his accomplishments, but would also serve as an important tribute to all of the medal of honor recipients and veterans from WWII.”

ORIGINAL STORY 6/28/22

WASHINGTON (WSAZ) - U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., has renewed calls to pass legislation allowing WWII Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol.

Rep. Miller posted a statement on Twitter Tuesday following an announcement from the Woody Williams Family and Foundation that the American hero and West Virginia native has been hospitalized.

Miller tweeted, “Woody Williams is a dear friend, proud West Virginian, & national hero. My prayers are with him & his family during this time. I am once again calling on Speaker Pelosi to pass my legislation allowing the last WWII Medal of Honor recipient to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol.

“At this time, Woody is not accepting visitors and his family appreciates everyone respecting his privacy. As he lives out his last days, we welcome and appreciate any additional prayers lifted up on behalf of Woody and his family,” said the Woody Williams Family and Foundation in a statement.

Woody Williams, who turned 98 on October 2, fought in World War II with the Marine Corps as a flamethrower at the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. His heroic actions there were later honored as he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman.

Family of Woody Williams asks for prayers ‘as he lives out his last days’

The Kanawha County Commission released the following statement:

“The Kanawha County Commission sends our thoughts and prayers to Williams and his family during this difficult time. Woody Williams is a true hero who has continued to make an impact in Kanawha County. In 2019, Yeager Airport dedicated its new military flight operations center to Williams. The 2,000+ square foot facility is available to the military aviation units free of charge whenever visiting Kanawha County. Williams also has been a strong supporter of COVID vaccinations, having visited the Kanawha Charleston Health Department’s Veteran vaccination clinic. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with Woody and his family at this time.”

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