Morrisey Creates Commission To Create Statue Of Woody Williams

Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed an executive order on Veterans Day creating the Herschel Woody Williams Statue Commission. 

Williams was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient when he died in 2022. He received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, he founded the national Woody Williams Foundation, dedicated to honor and support Gold Star Families. Gold Star family members are those who have lost a loved one serving in the armed forces of the United States.

“It’s not just a symbolic act, it’s a lasting tribute, and it’s going to stand the test of time,” Morrisey said. “Future generations and those who walk the halls of Congress are going to know the name, the face and the amazing deeds and story of Woody Williams, a son of West Virginia whose bravery certainly changed the course of history.”

The creation of the commission comes one year after the West Virginia Legislature passed a resolution to place a statue of Williams in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol.

The commission will be chaired by Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby with members to be announced in the coming weeks. 

“They have a very important task that’s overseeing the creation of a statue that captures the spirit and the courage of Woody Williams,” Morrisey said. “Woody Williams embodied what it means to be a West Virginian: steadfast, humble, courageous and full of heart. And soon in the halls of our nation’s capital, his likeness will stand as a testament to the heroism born in our hills.”

Williams’ grandson Brent Casey expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the initiative’s importance in inspiring future generations.

“By honoring him, we not only celebrate an extraordinary West Virginian, but also send a clear message about the enduring importance of selfless sacrifice and unwavering dedication,” he said.

The statue of Williams will replace one of John Kenna, a Confederate veteran who represented West Virginia in the U.S. House and Senate. According to Tuesday’s executive order, Congress has allowed states to replace their statues in the Statuary Hall since 2000.
Kenna’s statue, which has stood in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall since 1901, will be moved to the Culture Center in Charleston.