Bill > S645

This bill seeks to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated items to the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II from December 25, 1941, to April 1, 1946. The bill highlights the remarkable home-front volunteerism of the time, noting that the North Platte Canteen was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II, serving approximately 6 million troops during its operation. The canteen, which began after residents mistakenly welcomed a train of Kansas National Guardsmen thinking they were from Nebraska, became a symbol of community support and patriotism, with 55,000 individuals from 125 communities donating food and volunteering. The volunteers provided extensive hospitality, serving thousands of food items daily without federal assistance and raising $137,000 through local fundraising efforts. The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a gold medal to recognize these volunteers, with the medal to be subsequently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte. Additionally, the bill allows for the striking and sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover the costs of production, and ensures the medal is classified as a national medal and numismatic item.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/645/all-info