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I vividly remember every military funeral I have attended: every gun volley, the slow, solemn hum of taps, the crisp folding of the flag and its presentation to a family member with the words “in the name of a grateful nation.” I know there is nothing we, as a nation, can do to pay off the debt, but I know there is something we can do to truly show how grateful we are as a nation.
That's why I've introduced legislation, the Final Honors Act, that allows any American service member killed in combat (KIA) to lie in state under the dome of the United States Capitol. This honor allows Americans to pay final tribute to those who have served our nation. The tradition dates back to 1852, when Henry Clay, the seventh speaker of the House and Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams, first received the recognition. Since then, only 46 people have been held in honored or honored status, 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 died when they were shot down in a plane or helicopter, shot by a sniper or machine gun, hit by an RPG or IED, went down with a ship, or otherwise died in action, died because they bravely and selflessly raised their right hand and swore an oath to protect and defend our Constitution and our country. They did jobs that were always dangerous and deadly, and they did it willingly, knowing they might not return home to their loved ones. But while her love for America and all she represents was boundless, reverence for her sacrifice has not been.
TRUMP INVITES THE FAMILIES OF TWO NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SHOT IN DC TO THE WHITE HOUSE, AND PLANS TO HONOR THE SOLDIERS
That's why I'm working to ensure our service members receive the honor they deserve by giving KIAs the opportunity to remain in state, so that all Americans can pay their final respects to a hero who embodied the best of our nation. This would allow families of the fallen to choose whether they wish to honor their fallen service member with their flag-draped casket under the dome of our Capitol building.
A makeshift memorial for Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is seen outside the Farragut West station, near the site where two National Guard members were shot, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
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The offer is entirely theirs to accept, but they would know that their country stands behind them and that men like me will reverently approach the coffin, pay a slow and purposeful salute, say a prayer and bid farewell to our fallen brother or sister. I would like the first of these offers to be extended to the family of West Virginia Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who lost her life in our nation's capital. God willing, she will be the first and last service member to receive this honor. But if another soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Guardian gives their life for our nation, then I believe we must offer the nation's highest level of respect and admiration by honoring each and every one of those warriors.
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We, as citizens of the United States, have a responsibility to honor the sacrifice of our warriors. But this is not as intuitive as many would expect. While presenting this idea, many people first mentioned the inconvenience such ceremonies would cause around the Capitol if we were in a war and suffered many casualties. I literally pray for all of our men and women who defend us, but if one of them gives their life, then our 535 legislators absolutely need their lives turned upside down, to show respect and reflect on the consequences of the decisions they make.
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Our nation's lawmakers should have done this for every victim of World War II and Korea, or the more than 58,000 victims of the Vietnam War, the Rangers, Delta operators, and Black Hawk pilots from Mogadishu, as well as for my brothers and sisters in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. We failed them in the past, let's not fail Specialist Beckstrom or any patriot who gives his life in the future.
To some, this may seem symbolic. Those who have worn the uniform – or lost someone who wore it – will recognize the efforts of a nation that shows true gratitude. It will be a reminder that our freedom comes at an incredible cost. With that said, Specialist Beckstrom, on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you and thank God for blessing our nation with you and may you rest in peace.
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