[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5104-H5105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       WORLD WAR II GREATEST GENERATION COMMEMORATIVE COIN SALES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, this year the United States Mint began 
sales of the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin to support the 
National World War II Memorial. This initiative was created through 
legislation I first introduced in 2019, and the President signed into 
law in 2022.

                              {time}  1030

  There are three unique coin designs available, all emblematic of the 
service and sacrifice of brave American soldiers and civilians during 
World War II.
  These commemorative coins are sought out by World War II veterans, 
their families, collectors, and millions of our ordinary citizens. They 
serve as an important keepsake to honor those who fought valiantly and 
defended liberty against the forces of tyranny around the globe. They 
bequeathed liberty to us if we can sustain it.
  Although the National World War II Memorial is only 20 years old, the 
passage of time has left its indelible marks. Lighting and water 
systems need to be replaced, discoloration along its fountains has 
appeared, and cracks have formed.
  The National Park Service that oversees the maintenance of the 
memorial does yeoman's work. The memorial is among the most visited 
sites in our Nation's Capital, however, approaching over 90 million 
visitors to date. Yet, the Park Service has an over $20 billion backlog 
of other projects, too. The time is now to support this memorial for 
those still living today and for future generations to come.
  As authorized by Public Law 117-162, the sales price of each coin 
will include a surcharge payable to the Friends of the National World 
War II Memorial to support the National Park Service to maintain and 
repair the memorial and for important educational and commemorative 
programs.
  These commemorative coins are on sale now until the end of 2024. The 
three unique coins available all have methodically designed 
interpretations.
  The $5 gold coin features a section of the Wall of Stars with an 
olive branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost 
their lives in that war. The olive branch represents the peace that 
followed, thanks to their noble sacrifice. The reverse tail design 
shows the folded American flag, such as one that would be presented at 
the funeral of a fallen servicemember.
  The $1 silver coin features six figures working together to support 
the Earth, illustrating the cooperation of each of our military 
branches as well as the Merchant Marine. The reverse design features a 
view from Victory Pavilion in the World War II Memorial. The sculpture 
depicts four eagles holding a laurel wreath, within which is a globe 
centered on the Pacific Ocean.
  Finally, the half dollar clad coin depicts the memorial from the 
point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the 
towers. The head side re-imagines the Victory Medal that was awarded to 
all who served in the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of 
Liberation stands with open arms holding two halves of a broken sword, 
symbolizing the war's conclusion.
  All surcharges obtained for these commemorative coins will go to the 
upkeep of this memorial and education about our 20th century's greatest 
achievement: the victory of liberty over tyranny.
  I thank my Senate colleague, Senator Mike Rounds, and the over 300 
bipartisan cosponsors in the House for supporting this legislation. If 
citizens wish to purchase coins, people may visit www.usmint.gov.
 In conclusion, we owe our freedom to the heroes and heroines of World 
War II. We know clearly tyranny has not left our Earth. The new 
generations of Americans must understand what life outside America's 
borders is like.
  People call the World War II generation the Greatest Generation. I 
call

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them the most unselfish generation. When they came home, they carried 
forward the spirit of freedom that drove them to victory over the worst 
tyrants the world has ever known or confronted.
  Those spirits triumphed because they understood what it took to 
preserve liberty. Thus far, our world has achieved the longest 
peacetime era among great powers in world history because of them.

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