Virginia House Bill HJR78

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22
• Report Pass: 2/3/22
• Engrossed: 2/8/22
• Refer: 2/9/22

Caption

World War II Medal of Honor recipient; President to designate a single state funeral upon death.

Impact

If enacted, HJR78 would resonate strongly within state and national cultural narratives by providing a formalized mechanism to honor the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient. This would not only memorialize the individual but also recognize the contributions of all veterans from this era. The resolution seeks to continue the tradition of state funerals for distinguished individuals, emphasizing the need for our nation to pay homage to its heroes.

Summary

HJR78 is a joint resolution that urges the President of the United States to designate a state funeral upon the death of the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. The resolution highlights the significance of the Medal of Honor as the highest military decoration in the United States, awarded for exceptional valor in combat. Moreover, it addresses the historical context of World War II, during which around 16 million Americans served, underscoring the collective sacrifice of those who fought in this pivotal conflict.

Contention

While broadly supportive, discussions surrounding HJR78 may include concerns regarding how such a state funeral would be funded and the implications for the state’s role in national ceremonial practices. Additionally, since the resolution is merely a request to the President, it might spark debate about the appropriateness of state advocacy in federal recognition matters. Opponents may question whether this approach risks politicizing military honors or whether similar recognitions should be reserved explicitly for former presidents and other nationally significant figures.