Kinzinger, Kaptur Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Create Commemorative Coin To Support National World War II Memorial

Statement

Today, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) introduced the National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin Act, a bill to authorize the U.S. Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Proceeds from the sale of the commemorative coins will be used to maintain and repair the Memorial, as well as for commemorative and educational programming. Rep. Kaptur was the author of the legislation in Congress to establish the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall.

The commemorative coin will serve as an important representation of the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the brave Americans who fought to defend the nation and advance peace and freedom throughout the world. The legislation ensures that the World War II Memorial will be properly and appropriately maintained, and that the commemorative and educational programming at the Memorial remains robust and substantial.

The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2004 -- the culmination of a 17-year effort. It is the first national Memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II and acknowledges the commitment and achievement of the entire nation. The Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort here at home.

"There are so many great sites to explore in Washington, D.C., but I take great comfort in my visits to the National World War II Memorial. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, and all they did to preserve and defend our freedom," said Congressman Kinzinger. "I'm proud to again introduce legislation that will ensure the memorial is restored and maintained at no cost to the taxpayer. This will allow visitors coming to our nation's capital to enjoy this solemn gathering place as it continues to serve as a guiding example of heroism, inspiring generations to come."

"I am honored to continue to play a small but important role in the continuing evolution of the National World War II Memorial," said Rep. Kaptur. "When I first introduced legislation in 1987 to authorize a memorial on federal land, I was steadfast in my commitment to have it built and maintained by the federal government. We just celebrated the 15th anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial this past spring and I am thrilled by the amount of interest and the number of visitors the Memorial receives. I encourage my fellow Members of Congress to support and co-sponsor the bill."

"We are grateful to Representatives Kaptur and Kinzinger for their commitment to teaching the lessons of yesterday to unite the generations of tomorrow, and ensuring that the National World War II Memorial is carefully repaired and maintained through this important legislation," said Holly Rotondi, executive director of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial. "We are especially indebted to Congresswoman Kaptur, the "mother' of the World War II Memorial, for the integral role she played in allowing the Memorial to take its proper place on the National Mall in our nation's capital and for her continued dedication to remembering and honoring our WWII generation."

The proceeds of the sale of each coin will go to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2007, to maintain and repair the Memorial, and to ensure educational and commemorative programming remains robust and substantial. Friends plays a vital role in educating the American public about World War II; preserving and maintaining the National World War II Memorial as a treasure for the American people; and facilitating key commemorative programs at the Memorial to pay a fitting tribute to America's "Greatest Generation."

The National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin Act has the endorsement of the VFW, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Commemorative Air Force, Afikim Foundation, and 82nd Airborne Division Association.

144 Members of Congress have cosponsored the legislation, alongside Representatives Kinzinger and Kaptur.

Today, the Memorial is the most visited memorial in the nation's capital, a top destination for millions of annual visitors from all over the country and the world. For many young visitors, their visit to the Memorial is a first glimpse at a grateful Nation's remembrance of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought against tyranny. For WWII veterans, the Memorial is a special destination, a rendezvous point, and a gathering place for reflection, reunions, and commemorative programs. The 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 united and bonded together in a common and just cause for liberty.

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