July 20, 2026
Mr. Schmidt (for himself and Ms. Johnson of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish the Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program.
Section 1. Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program
(a) Establishment of program
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out a comprehensive educational program to increase public awareness and understanding of the achievements, sacrifices, and enduring lessons of the Greatest Generation in winning World War II. The Secretary shall design the program to—
(1)
teach the lessons of yesterday to unite the generations of tomorrow, strengthening the bonds between young and old people of the United States;
(2)
instill patriotism and pride in the young people of the United States by sharing the stories of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and unity demonstrated during World War II; and
(3)
offer hope for the future by demonstrating how the people of the United States, when unified in purpose, can overcome the greatest challenges.
(b) Grants
Under the program established by subsection (a), the Secretary may make grants to State and local governments, subject to the limitation under subsection (c), and nonprofit organizations. A recipient of such a grant shall use the grant to carry out educational activities for the general public anywhere in the United States that are designed to—
(1)
honor and thank World War II veterans, including those who were prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, and their families, for their service and sacrifice;
(2)
educate the public about the service and contributions of the United States Armed Forces during World War II, as well as the efforts of Federal agencies, allied nations, and nongovernmental organizations;
(3)
promote awareness of the vital role of the home front in the United States during World War II, including the contributions of workers, families, and communities;
(4)
remember the Holocaust and honor the memory of its victims, as well as recognizing the Allied forces who liberated Nazi concentration camps;
(5)
support programs that engage students and young people of the United States in learning about World War II, fostering civic pride, historical understanding, and national unity; and
(6)
support programming and events held at nationally significant sites of remembrance, such as the National World War II Memorial, to reinforce public awareness and provide immersive educational experiences that honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation.
(c) Limitation
A State government that receives a grant under this section may only use the grant for a new initiative and may not use the grant to provide programming that is part of a secondary education program provided by the State.
(d) Names and symbols
The Secretary of Defense shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the name Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program
, as well as any associated seal, emblem, or badge. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to supersede any rights lawfully established prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
(e) Nonprofit organization defined
The term nonprofit organization
means an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.