Bill Overview
Title: North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. The North Platte Canteen, a volunteer-run effort, provided entertainment to U.S. troops traveling across the country.
Sponsors: Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals and communities involved with the North Platte Canteen during World War II
Estimated Size: 5000
- The North Platte Canteen was actively involved in providing entertainment and support to U.S. troops during World War II, impacting those who lived during that era.
- The Congressional Gold Medal is intended to recognize the actions of individuals and communities involved with the North Platte Canteen, specifically from Nebraska.
- Many of those directly involved with the North Platte Canteen during World War II are likely to be deceased, given that the war ended over 75 years ago.
- The recognition could indirectly impact descendants and local communities historically tied to the North Platte Canteen by enhancing community pride and historical recognition.
- The award could also impact historical societies or museums in Nebraska that might see increased interest or funding following this recognition.
Reasoning
- The majority of the directly impacted individuals were active during WWII, thus many potential beneficiaries of the recognition might have passed away or are elderly.
- Descendants could be indirectly affected through increased community pride and awareness of family history.
- Local communities and entities like museums may have tangible benefits from increased tourism or donations tied to the recognition.
- The policy is not likely to cause a financial benefit to individuals but could have sentimental impacts. Thus, wellbeing impacts might primarily be emotional or community-based rather than financial.
- A budget of $300,000 for the first year and an additional $300,000 over 10 years suggests limited scope for any extensive outreach or tangible benefit distribution.
- Main impacts would likely be centered in Nebraska, where the historical contribution occurred.
Simulated Interviews
Retired elementary school teacher (North Platte, Nebraska)
Age: 92 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I remember the bustling crowds and the joy we tried to bring to the soldiers.
- This recognition is a nice gesture, even if most of us are old or have died.
- It feels good to be remembered after all these years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
City historian (North Platte, Nebraska)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This award could bring more attention to our local history.
- It's a bit late for most of those directly involved, but descendants like myself appreciate the acknowledgment.
- I hope it brings more visitors to our local museum.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Museum curator (Omaha, Nebraska)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recognition should increase interest and funding for historical exhibits.
- It might be an opportunity to capture stories from children and grandchildren of those who were there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Software engineer (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not very connected to this history.
- It's cool that they're being recognized, but it doesn't impact me directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Teacher (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a history enthusiast, I appreciate efforts to acknowledge lesser-known facets of history.
- I might consider visiting Nebraska again to learn more.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired military officer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 83 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I never thought this part of service life would be recognized like this.
- It's a pleasant surprise to see attention given to these efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Graduate student (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition of smaller historical contributions is important to my studies.
- I appreciate knowing more about regional efforts during the war.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Local business owner (North Platte, Nebraska)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition might boost local tourism slightly.
- I'm glad our town is getting acknowledged; it’s good for business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Professor of history (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm pleased that such efforts are being recognized; it's important for comprehensive historical records.
- My students can benefit from studying this example of home front civilian support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Kansas City, Missouri)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy probably won't affect me directly, but I'm glad that history is being recognized.
- It makes the stories from my parents' and grandparents' generations feel more valued.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $200000, High: $500000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary expenditure is for crafting, minting, and awarding the medal itself, alongside any associated ceremonial costs.
- The medal's significance lies more in recognition and historical commemoration rather than economic effect.
- Potential interest in Nebraska or military history from outside parties might enhance local economies momentarily.