Final Honors Act proposes heroes killed in action lie in state at US Capitol
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
I vividly remember every military funeral I attended: every crack of the gun salute, the slow, solemn hum of the taps, the sharp folding of the flag and its handing to a family member with the words “on behalf of a grateful nation.” I know there is nothing we can do as a nation to repay our debt, but I know there is something we can do to truly show how grateful we are as a nation.
That’s why I introduced legislation called the Ultimate Honor Act, which would allow any US service member (KIA) killed in action to lie in state under the dome of the US Capitol. This honor allows Americans to pay their final respects to those who served our nation. This tradition dates back to 1852, when Henry Clay, the seventh speaker of the House and President John Quincy Adams’ Secretary of State, was first recognized. Since then, only 46 people have received state or honorary titles, including former presidents, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and Capitol police officers killed in the line of duty.
Every member of our armed forces who was shot down by a jet or helicopter, hit by sniper or machine gun fire, hit by an RPG or IED, crashed by a ship, or otherwise killed in action was killed because they bravely and selflessly raised their right hand and swore to protect and defend our Constitution and our country. They took on jobs that have always proven to be dangerous and deadly, and they did so willingly, knowing they would not be reunited with their loved ones. But while their love for America and all it stood for was boundless, respect for their sacrifice was not.
TRUMP INVITES FAMILIES OF TWO NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SHOT IN D.C. TO THE WHITE HOUSE, PLANS TO HONOR THE SOLDIERS
That’s why I’m working to ensure our soldiers get the honor they deserve by giving KIAs the opportunity to lie in the state; so that every American can pay their last respect to a hero who represented the best of our nation. This will allow families of the dead to choose whether they want to honor their fallen service member with a flag-draped casket under the Capitol dome.
A makeshift memorial to Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is seen outside Farragut West Station, near where two National Guard members were shot Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
CLICK FOR OTHER OPINIONS OF FOX NEWS
It is entirely up to them to accept the offer, but they knew that their country was on their side and that men like me would respectfully approach the coffin, give a slow and meaningful salute, pray and say goodbye to our deceased sister or brother. I would like the first of these proposals to be forwarded to the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard, who lost her life in our nation’s capital. With God’s permission, he will be the first and last soldier to receive this honor. But if another soldier, sailor, airman, sailor or ranger gives his life for our nation, then I believe we must offer the highest level of respect and admiration to the nation by surrendering each of these warriors to the state.
FATHER OF URBAN NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER SAYS HIS DEATH ‘A HORRIBLE TRAGEDY’ IN HEARTBREAKING POST
As US citizens, we have a responsibility to honor the sacrifice of our warriors. But this is not as intuitive as many would expect. In introducing this idea, I had many people first express the discomfort that such ceremonies would create around the Capitol if we were in a war and suffered many casualties. I literally pray for all our men and women who defend us, but if one of them gives their life then the lives of our 535 MPs will certainly be disrupted, they need to respect and consider the consequences of the decisions they make.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Our nation’s lawmakers should have done this for all the casualties in World War II and Korea, or the more than 58,000 casualties in the Vietnam War, the Rangers, Delta operators, and Black Hawk pilots in Mogadishu, and my brothers in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. We have failed them in the past, let us not fail Specialist Beckstrom or any patriot who gives his life from now on.
This may seem symbolic to some. Those who have worn the uniform, or have lost someone who did, will appreciate their efforts, which truly show the gratitude of a nation. It will be a reminder that our freedom comes at an incredible cost. With that, Specialist Beckstrom, on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you and thank God for blessing our nation with you, rest in peace.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM REP. BRIAN POST
