WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) successfully included an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that requires Congressional authorization to move war memorials overseas.  Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) co-sponsored the amendment.

Barrasso’s amendment would prohibit moving the Bells of Balangiga from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY to the Philippines without Congressional authorization. 

“It is a long held tradition in Wyoming to never forget the sacrifices of our brave men and women,” said Barrasso.  “Deconstructing our war memorials is unacceptable and a disservice to those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country.  This amendment will preserve and protect our war memorials by ensuring they’re not moved overseas without Congressional approval.” 

Background:

On September 28, 1901, the Bells of Balangiga were used by Filipino insurgents to launch the massacre on Company C, 9th Infantry, at Balangiga, Samar, Philippines.  Forty-eight out of seventy-five American soldiers, including all officers were either killed, died of wounds or were listed as missing and presumed dead (some bodies were mutilated or burned beyond recognition.)  The Company C troops that survived the massacre brought these bells back to Fort D. A. Russell. 

Within the last year, the U.S. State Department and Department of Defense initiated a process that would move the Bells of Balangiga from F.E. Warren Air Force Base to the Philippines.  The majority of Wyoming’s veterans oppose moving the Bells, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

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