WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) recently reintroduced the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act. The bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the collective individuals and communities who volunteered or donated food and other items to the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. 

U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.-3), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-2), and Mike Flood (R-Neb.-1) reintroduced companion legislation in the House.  

“Throughout U.S. history during times of crisis, the American people have stepped up to serve their communities and put others before themselves. At the North Platte Canteen, a host of patriotic volunteers from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas worked tirelessly to provide WWII servicemembers with a taste of home during the world’s darkest time. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation which will honor the patriotic Americans who made the North Platte Canteen a success for nearly five years, providing hospitality to millions in America’s heartland,” said Senator Fischer.

“This bill honors our history and the Coloradans, Nebraskans, and many others, who volunteered at the North Platte Canteen during World War II. These Americans generously donated their time, hospitality, and essential supplies to support millions of servicemembers. I am grateful their service and the example they set for all of us,” said Senator Bennet.

“The North Platte Canteen is an excellent example of Nebraska’s tradition of patriotism. Our nation needs to be inspired by stories of service now more than ever, and I hope we can finally give these volunteers the recognition they deserve,” said Senator Ricketts.

“The North Platte Canteen volunteers stepped up to the plate to support our soldiers traveling to the war. Their patriotism and sacrifice sets an example for all of us,” said Senator Hickenlooper.

“The North Platte Canteen was an inspiring display of Nebraska communities coming together to make a difference in extraordinary times. The hospitality shown to millions of troops throughout the most challenging years of WWII was a shining moment of American patriotism. Awarding the Canteen’s volunteers with the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting way to honor their monumental generosity, and I thank Senator Fischer for her leadership on the Senate version of this legislation,” said Representative Smith.

“During World War II, 55,000 Nebraskans showed their patriotism and love for this country by volunteering time and donating food to the North Platte Canteen, which in turn served millions of soldiers,” said Bacon. “As a veteran, I know how much those soldiers appreciated the acts of kindness exhibited to them and I am honored to join this movement to recognize their work,” said Representative Bacon. 

“The North Platte Canteen has long been remembered as a symbol of Nebraska’s patriotism and our state’s love for our country’s Armed Forces. This measure is a salute to the people and communities who supported the canteen, and I look forward to working with my colleagues towards awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal as a token of our appreciation,” said Representative Flood.

“The North Platte Canteen represents the best of American values and spirit. The selfless generosity and hospitality shown to the troops passing through during World War II was a shining example of patriotism in action. A congressional Gold Medal would serve as a fitting tribute to the memory of the Canteen and its volunteers, and a reminder to future generations of the power of kindness and compassion in times of need,” said North Platte Mayor Brandon Kelliher.

“The communities in the North Platte of Colorado and Nebraska were saviors for our military troops traveling long distances to the war fronts of the Pacific and Europe. The volunteers along the railroad lines in the North Platte dedicated countless hours and resources in honor of our Troops and to instill pride that our military is valued and prized. The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act is essential to recognize the value of the war effort and the contributions made to our Troops and our Country,” said Gerri Rimpley, State Commander, Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

More information:

The North Platte Canteen was a railroad stop in North Platte, Nebraska, that was recognized during World War II for providing hospitality to soldiers traveling through the area. An estimated 55,000 people from 125 communities throughout Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas contributed food, money, or time to serve the Canteen’s estimated 6 million visitors.

The North Platte Canteen operated from Christmas Day, 1941 to April 1, 1946. It was the largest community-based canteen in the U.S. and one of the largest volunteer efforts during World War II.  

Read the full text of the bill here.

Read more about the North Platte Canteen here. 

# # #