World War II Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Sales

Floor Speech

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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.

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 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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