Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act Unanimously Passes Senate; Heading to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today announced their legislation, the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, is heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., recognizes the tremendous sacrifices made by our Greatest Generation,” said Rounds. “Their selfless efforts had an unmatched impact on our country. With the president’s signature, this bill will help preserve the memorial so future generations can continue to honor the courageous heroes that came before them. I am proud that the last of this storied generation, many of whom continue to visit our nation’s capital through honor flights, will set their eyes on a fully-restored memorial.”
“I’m thrilled that our legislation to invest in the World War II memorial and ensure its structural integrity is secure for generations of Americans is now on its way to the President’s desk,” said Shaheen. “This is about preserving our history and honoring the brave souls who gave their lives for a cause greater than any one person or one nation. It’s important to protect public spaces and memorials like this so that we can provide a place for loved ones and fellow Americans to reflect, appreciate and remember the heroism of those brave individuals. I look forward to the President signing this bill into law.”
“At the heart of our nation’s capital, the National World War II Memorial stands as an enduring testament to the patriots of America’s Greatest Generation whose selfless courage secured the victory of Liberty in the 20th century,” said Kaptur. “The Greatest Generation commemorative coin will serve as a sturdy token that honors those who fought and sacrificed while fortifying the sacred national shrine that salutes their legacies.”
Proceeds from the sale of the coins will be used by the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, in partnership with the National Park Service, to perform necessary maintenance and repair work at the memorial and provide enhanced educational and commemorative programming to the millions of people who visit annually. The bill authorizes Treasury to mint up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins for use as legal tender. Beginning in 2024, the coins will be sold to the public at face value plus a $35, $10, and $5 surcharge, respectively, to fund the work and programming led by the Friends of the National World War II Memorial.
“The commemorative coin will serve as an important representation of the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the brave Americans who fought to defend the nation and advance peace and freedom throughout the world,” said Friends of the National World War II Memorial Executive Director Holly Rotondi. “We are grateful to Congresswoman Kaptur and Congressman Adam Kinzinger, along with Senators Mike Rounds and Jeanne Shaheen for their strong leadership in recognizing the importance of the memorial as the singular place in the U.S. to commemorate World War II and its veterans and moving this significant legislation through Congress.”
"The National World War II Memorial stands as an important symbol of America’s national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and power that flows when free people are united and bonded together in a common and just cause for liberty,” said Friends of the National World War II Memorial Chairman Jane Droppa. “In 2024, the Memorial will turn 20 years old, and without the efforts of Congresswoman Kaptur and Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Senators Mike Rounds and Jeanne Shaheen the legislation passed today it would not be possible to provide much needed attention to this sacred space.”
You can read the full bill text HERE.
