Honoring Hershel "Woody" Williams as one of two WV statues in National Statuary Hall Collection
If adopted, SCR30 would not only alter the representation of West Virginia in the National Statuary Hall Collection, but it would also bring attention to the importance of recognizing military service and sacrifice. The decision to replace Kenna's statue with Williams' would symbolize a shift in values, placing emphasis on honoring veterans and their families. This could impact future actions by the state concerning how it commemorates military history and its heroes, potentially leading to more initiatives that support veterans and their families in West Virginia.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 (SCR30) honors Hershel 'Woody' Williams, a heroic Marine Corps veteran known for his valor during World War II, by proposing to replace the existing statue of John Kenna in the National Statuary Hall Collection with one of Williams. The resolution recognizes Williams for his extraordinary courage, exemplified by his receipt of the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Iwo Jima, and acknowledges his contributions to honoring Gold Star families through the establishment of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program.
The general sentiment surrounding SCR30 appears to be positive, with strong support for honoring Williams and recognizing his contributions. The legislation has been embraced not just as a tribute to a local hero, but also as a way to advocate for the broader mission of supporting veterans and Gold Star families. However, there may be underlying concerns among some constituents regarding the historical significance of the current statue and the implications of changing such representations in national spaces.
One notable point of contention surrounding SCR30 may arise from discussions about the historical relevance of existing statues within the National Statuary Hall Collection. While many view the proposed change as a necessary acknowledgment of Williams’ service and contributions, others might argue for the preservation of Kenna's legacy. The tensions may reflect broader cultural debates about how history is commemorated and the importance of varying narratives in public memory, particularly in relation to military history and local representation.