Remarks By the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson United States Mint Director, Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Design Display

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following remarks by the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson.

Good Afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here to introduce the designs for the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program. Every day, across the Nation, the Mint connects Americans through coins. Next year, it will be our great privilege to connect America to the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during the Second World War.

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 at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause for liberty. This is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II and acknowledges the commitment and achievement of the entire Nation. It honors the more than 16 million who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Their legacy is part of our American story.

Since the Mint's establishment in 1792, the women and men of our workforce have taken great pride in rendering the story of our nation through enduring examples of numismatic art.

As the largest mint in the world, the United States Mint produces the coinage required by our Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. In addition, Congress authorizes a maximum of two commemorative coin programs annually to celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. I would like to thank Senator Browne, Representative McHenry and Representative Waters for their work to get the Greatest Generation out of their respective committees and working with the sponsors, leadership and Mint to ensure the language was correct and passed in time for 2024.

Since the beginning of the modern commemorative coin program in 1982, the United States Mint has raised more than $522 million in surcharges authorized to help build or enhance new museums, preserve historical sites, and support important national programs. In accordance with legislation, the Mint includes a surcharge as part of the price of each commemorative coin. These surcharges are authorized to be turned over to the sponsoring organizations for projects that benefit the community. In this case, surcharges are authorized to be awarded to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.

I'd like to tell you a little about the designs. The gold obverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Heidi Wastweet and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Eric Custer, depicts the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an olive branch. The inscriptions are ``LIBERTY,'' ``IN GOD WE TRUST,'' ``2024,'' and ``WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL.''

Designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Ben Sowards and sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joe Menna, the gold reverse depicts a folded flag with the inscriptions ``UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,'' ``E PLURIBUS UNUM,'' ``WWII MEMORIAL,'' ``TO UNITE THE GENERATIONS OF TOMORROW,'' and ``FIVE DOLLARS.''

The silver obverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Beth Zaiken and sculpted by United States MIne Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, features an allegorical tableau of figures supporting a globe. Each figure represents a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII (Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps) plus a figure representing the critical work of the Merchant Marine. The inscriptions are ``1941-1945,'' ``WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL,'' ``DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM,'' ``LIBERTY,'' ``IN GOD WE TRUST,'' and ``2024.''

Designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Ben Sowards and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon, the silver reverse design depicts a view from beneath a baldacchino, a sculptural canopy, inside a victory pavilion in the World War II Memorial featuring four eagles holding a laurel wreath. Inside the wreath is a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean. The inscriptions are ``UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,'' ``E PLURIBUS UNUM,'' ``VICTORY,'' ``IN THE AIR,'' ``AT SEA,'' ``ON LAND,'' ``WWII MEMORIAL,'' and ``ONE DOLLAR.''

The half dollar obverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Elana Hagler and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Craig Campbell, features a reimagining of the figure of Liberation on the World War II Victory medal, awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during the War. The inscriptions are ``LIBERTY,'' ``IN GOD WE TRUST,'' ``WORLD WAR II'' ``2024,'' and ``WE ANSWERED THE CALL.''

The half dollar reverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Matt Swaim and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist John McGraw, depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers. The inscriptions are ``UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,'' ``E PLURIBUS UNUM,'' and ``HALF DOLLAR.''

The Greatest Generation commemorative coin designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. We hope this program will honor their courage and their spirit. It is our pleasure to assist the Friends of the National World War II Memorial in their efforts to teach the lessons of yesterday to unite the generations of tomorrow.

Thank you all very much.

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