# Understanding the Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act

This bill is essentially a formal honor for a historical figure. It asks the President to give Ulysses S. Grant the military rank of "General of the Armies of the United States" — even though Grant passed away in 1885. This is a posthumous appointment, meaning it happens after someone has died, so it doesn't actually affect Grant himself but rather recognizes his historical significance.

To understand why this matters, you need to know a bit of history. Grant was the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and is widely credited with leading the military strategy that preserved the United States. After the war, he became the 18th President. The bill explains that Grant commanded over 620,000 soldiers during the Civil War and won major battles that were crucial to the Union's victory. As President, he pushed for the 15th Amendment (which gave Black men the right to vote), created the Department of Justice, and supported the Civil Rights Act of 1875.

The rank being given to Grant is the highest military rank that exists — it has "precedence over all other grades of the Army, past or present," according to the bill. Interestingly, Congress had already given this same rank to George Washington in 1976 as a posthumous honor. This bill essentially puts Grant on equal footing with Washington in terms of military recognition.

In practical terms, this bill has almost no impact on everyday life. It's a symbolic gesture of respect and historical recognition. No money is spent, no policies change, and no current military operations are affected. It's Congress saying, "We want to officially acknowledge that Ulysses S. Grant was one of the most important military leaders in American history."

Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act

Wagner, Ann

Ulysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act This joint resolution authorizes the President to posthumously appoint Ulysses S. Grant to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States, effective on April 27, 2022.