Today in Keene, Kuster Joins NH Military Families to Honor Ghost Army Veterans, Highlights Support for Local Restaurants

Press Release

Keene, N.H. -- Today in Keene, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) visited the Cheshire Historical Society and toured the new Ghost Army Exhibit with the family of Granite State veterans. While she was there, Kuster discussed her bipartisan legislation, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act, which the House passed last month.

Later in the day, Kuster visited Luca's Mediterranean Café and met with owner Luca Paris to discuss the impact of targeted federal stimulus for small businesses during COVID-19, and the Monadnock Restaurant Project which raised money for local restaurants in Keene.

"The Ghost Army saved thousands of allied lives during humanity's darkest hour, but because their missions were kept secret for decades, they were never recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments," said Rep. Kuster. "It was wonderful to see their efforts finally honored today at the Cheshire Historical Society alongside the family of Granite State veterans. I'm proud that my Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act has passed the House, and I hope that the Senate will pass this bipartisan legislation to award these brave Americans the Congressional Gold Medal and ensure they receive the long-overdue recognition they deserve."

"Thank you to Luca Paris for having me today, and for speaking with me about the impact of targeted federal stimulus and about the Monadnock Restaurant Project which has raised money for our local restaurants in Keene," Rep. Kuster continued. "The historic American Rescue Plan has helped to ensure small businesses in New Hampshire and across the country have the support they need to weather the storm, and I look forward to bringing Luca's voice and perspective to Congress to ensure no one is left behind as we recover and rebuild from COVID-19."

"People who have visited the Ghost Army exhibit have enjoyed it because it is a fascinating story, and it has a local connection with the Cheshire County residents who served in the unit," said Rick Swanson, Development Director at the Historical Society of Cheshire County. "They were real heroes who put themselves in harm's way, and it is interesting to think that they had to keep the story quiet for fifty years."

"I really believe that thanks to the additional support from local and national elected officials, our local merchants and Keene community were able to not only hang on through the pandemic, but prosper through determination and caring for each other," said Luca Paris, owner of Luca's Mediterranean Café in Keene. "This community supported each other in ways we never thought we could. We are now a stronger, more cohesive and understanding community. We have this energy that we will continue to grow with that will help us face any challenges in the future, together."

Background on the Ghost Army:

The Ghost Army refers to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company during WWII, collectively. Using inflatable equipment, sound effects, radio trickery, and other combat deceptions, these two top-secret units fooled the Nazis and drew enemy forces away from American units. According to a U.S. Army analysis after the war, the Ghost Army deceptions saved up to an estimated 30,000 allied lives.

These tactics were so effective, the U.S. Army kept them secret for more than 50 years after the war. Because of this classification, the men of the Ghost Army were never recognized for their heroism and contributions to defeating fascism in Europe.

Last month, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Annie Kuster's (NH-02) bipartisan legislation, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act, to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the WWII Ghost Army 75 years after their service. The legislation was co-led by Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) and co-sponsored by 298 Representatives from both sides of the aisle.

Background on the American Rescue Plan:

The American Rescue Plan Act included targeted aid for the hospitality industry in the form of grants, additional aid, and an expansion of existing credits such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit. The plan also created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), a $28.6 billion grant program to support hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost gross revenue between 2019 and 2020. The maximum grant size will be $5 million for restaurants and $10 million for restaurant groups.

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