Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1) On January 19, 2017, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald signed a Memorandum of Agreement that established goals for the Department of Veterans Affairs and regional leaders of Dayton, Ohio, to advance a history office as a community partnership. (2) A report commissioned by the Department determined that, a central History Office, properly staffed and resourced, can become an essential ally for the Department’s senior staff at Headquarters and in the field.. (3) The establishment of a History Office in the Department pursuant to an executive memorandum of the Department, dated April 10, 2020, is a vital contribution to honoring veterans and improving the understanding of how they served the United States. (4) Department of Veterans Affairs Directive 7777, titled Implementation of the VA History Program, was issued on February 9, 2021, and established the policies, responsibilities, and management directions for the Department of Veterans Affairs History Program. (5) The centennial year of the Department is 2030 and such year is a goal for establishing a robust program of ongoing history outreach activities and permanent public exhibits telling the story of the Department.