Kirk-Carney Congressional Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Passes House

Press Release

Kirk-Carney Congressional Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Passes House

Congress' only Navy Reserve intelligence officers join together to support the ideals of our nation's highest military honor

Legislation directs the Treasury to mint commemorative coins to raise funds for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation today co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Chris Carney (D-Pa.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) to authorize the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins honoring the history of our nation's highest military honor.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 (H.R. 1209) authorizes the minting of 100,000 $5 gold coins and 500,000 $1 silver coins. The proceeds from public sales of these coins will go to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes heroism and selflessness among our nation's youth by perpetuating the Medal of Honor's legacy through increased awareness, education, scholarships, behavior and example. The bill could generate up to $8.5 million for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

"We owe everything to those who wore the uniform and committed extraordinary acts of bravery in defense of their colleagues and nation," said Congressman Kirk, who along with Congressman Carney serves as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. "This legislation will help the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation in its efforts to preserve and promote the ideals of our nation's highest military honor. I'm honored to partner with my colleague and fellow veteran Congressman Chris Carney to support those who represent the very best of America."

"As a Commander-Select in the United States Navy Reserve, I am committed to honoring our brave men and women in the armed forces. The Medal of Honor is the highest award that an individual serving in the armed forces can receive," said Congressman Carney. "This bill will not only recognize the outstanding achievements of these men and women, but the proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to educate people about the significance and exclusivity of the award."

"The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act will provide additional resources to encourage the very best in public service," said Gurnee resident and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Al Lynch. "The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation helps educate future generations about the importance of selflessness and patriotism, as demonstrated by those who gave everything in service to our country. I'm honored to partner with Congressmen Kirk and Carney, both Navy Reserve officers, to support this important legislation."

Mr. Lynch received the Medal of Honor for risking his life to save three wounded comrades during his service in Vietnam.

The Medal of Honor was first authorized by Congress in 1861 and represents our nation's highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. Congress made it a permanent decoration in 1863. Fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces--approximately half during the Civil War. Today, there are only 97 living recipients.

Medal of Honor winner Al Lynch is available for interview upon request. The bill now goes before the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Source