Williams Statue Commission Held First Meeting
The newly formed commission met in Charleston to begin the process of placing a Hershel Williams statue in the U.S. Capitol.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Legislative Policy
Live Poll
Should historical statues in the U.S. Capitol be replaced to honor different individuals?
The Hershel Woody Williams Statue Commission convened its inaugural meeting at the state Capitol in Charleston. The group is tasked with installing a statue of the late Medal of Honor recipient in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Why it matters
State officials are working to honor the legacy of Hershel Williams, a World War II veteran who passed away in 2022. The commission will replace the current statue of John Kenna, which has occupied a space in Washington, D.C. for 125 years.
President Donald Trump signed the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act into law in September 2026. The commission plans to use 3-D scans to assist in the final statue design process.
The players
Hershel Woody Williams Statue Commission
This is a state-level legislative body tasked with the planning and installation of a memorial in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Hershel Williams
He was a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient who is credited with neutralizing seven Japanese gun emplacements.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who signed the legislation authorizing the new monument location.
John Kenna
He was a former politician whose statue has been displayed in Washington D.C. for over a century.
The details
Commission members unanimously approved the formation of subcommittees to expedite the project through collaboration with state arts, museum, and archive offices. The existing John Kenna statue is slated for relocation to the Culture Center in Charleston once the new monument is placed in the U.S. Capitol.
Timeline
Hershel Williams died in 2022.
President Donald Trump signed the authorizing act in September 2026.
The commission held its first meeting on October 6, 2026.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
Political Context
The transition process is governed by the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, which formalizes the replacement of long-standing historical figures in the Capitol. Opponents of such removals often cite the preservation of state history and the significant tenure of existing statues as reasons to retain current displays.
Residents of Charleston will see the relocation of the John Kenna statue to the local Culture Center as the project progresses. The initiative impacts public spaces in both the state capital and the national seat of government.
The takeaway
The commission is leveraging modern technology, such as 3-D scans, to ensure the new statue accurately reflects the courage of the Medal of Honor recipient. Citizens interested in the progress of the memorial can monitor future public commission meetings for updates.
What happens next
The commission is scheduled to hold its second meeting on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local governing efforts in Legislative Policy.
Live Poll
Should historical statues in the U.S. Capitol be replaced to honor different individuals?
