[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S694-S695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GETTYSBURG COIN ACT

  Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the Gettysburg Coin 
Act, which I was proud to introduce with Senator Specter. This 
legislation commemorates one of the most significant events in our 
Nation's history.
  The Gettysburg Coin Act would produce a commemorative coin in 2013 
recognizing the 150th anniversary of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg and 
President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The Battle of 
Gettysburg

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not only marked a decisive moment in the American Civil War, but proved 
to be the turning point in our Nation's history. More Americans 
perished during the Battle of Gettysburg than in any other battle in 
American history. It is with this understanding that we must, as 
President Abraham Lincoln so eloquently said in the Gettysburg Address, 
``highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain'' in 
defending our Nation's freedom. This rings true today as our Nation's 
servicemen and women continue the long tradition of protecting our 
freedom and values.
  Today, I would also like to recognize the important work of the Army 
Heritage Center Foundation, which continues the proud tradition of 
protecting and preserving our Nation's rich military history. Based in 
Carlisle, PA, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center works with 
the U.S. Army to preserve the memories of soldiers and their families, 
honor their service, and help educate the American public about the 
Army's contributions to our nation. The center's world class archives 
store a collection of Army memorabilia and artifacts, so we can 
remember how life was lived and the repercussions of war. The Army 
Heritage Center Foundation's support for the 150th anniversary 
commemorative coin is just another way they continue to fulfill their 
mission.
  As a Pennsylvanian, I am proud of the role my State has played and 
continues to play in shaping our Nation's history. It is my hope that 
these coins will commemorate a day of great national pride and remind 
us of the sacrifices that generations of American soldiers and their 
families have made to safeguard this Nation. Therefore, I encourage my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to commemorate the 
150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

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