WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) released the following statement about this Thursday’s ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the surviving members of the special military unit tasked with protecting cultural treasures stolen by the Nazis during World War II:
"This Thursday, the Congressional Gold Medal will be awarded in honor of the Monuments Men as a result of my bill in the 113th Congress. Amidst the death and destruction of World War II, The Monuments Men and Women were able to locate, preserve and return almost five million cultural items confiscated by the Nazis, including many of the world’s greatest works of art. The veterans who participated in these daring missions are certainly worthy and deserving of the recognition of Congress’ highest expression of appreciation.
“I have been looking forward to this ceremony ever since I first learned about the greatest untold story of World War II. My journey with The Monuments Men began at the Kimbell Art Museum in 2006 when I met Robert Edsel after he had published his first book about their daring missions. I want to thank him for uncovering this story and sharing it with the world. I am pleased he will join us at the Capitol for this special ceremony, because it would not have been possible without him.”
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