House Passes Kaptur Bipartisan Bill to Create National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) released the following statement after the House passed her bill – the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act – to create a National World War II Memorial commemorative coin.
On Tuesday, the House passed Rep. Kaptur’s Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act that empowers the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) to mint commemorative coins that pay tribute to the National World War II Memorial and honor the American servicemembers who served and died during World War II. The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 after a 17-year effort spearheaded by Rep. Kaptur.
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.
“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 Rep. 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.”
“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.”
Rep. Kaptur’s bill was cosponsored in the House by Rep. Adam Kinzginer (R-IL-16) along with 300 colleagues, and supported by companion legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The Senate will soon receive Rep. Kaptur’s bill where it is expected to be read three times and considered passed.
More information on Rep. Kaptur’s Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act can be found here.
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For more information, contact Chris Dalton at chris.dalton@mail.house.gov.