FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL AND U.S. MINT UNVEIL DESIGNS OF GREATEST GENERATION COMMEMORATIVE COINS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) joined with the United States Mint today in unveiling the designs of the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins at a ceremony at the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

With designs showcasing the Memorial’s Wall of Stars and a reimagining of the figure of Liberation from the World War II Victory Medal, the commemorative coins 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. Sales of the three-coin set include surcharges - $35 for each $5 gold coin sold; $10 for each silver dollar sold; and $5 for each half dollar sold - authorized to support maintenance and repairs of the Memorial, as well as for commemorative and educational programming.

“Friends plays a vital role in educating the American public about World War II as well as facilitating key commemorative programs at the Memorial to pay a fitting tribute to America’s “Greatest Generation,” said Friends chair Jane Droppa. “We pay tribute to those veterans such as Bob Dole who was instrumental in the original fundraising for the memorial. Now, it is our time and turn to ensure this national treasure does not fall into disrepair.”

“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,” said United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “We hope this program will honor their unwavering courage and selfless spirit.”

“The Greatest Generation commemorative coin honors the Memorial, which 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,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. “As Americans — as a free people — let us unite to revere, to remember, and to pay tribute to the millions of our fellow citizens who have made the ultimate sacrifice for an ideal... the ideal of liberty for all people...for all of us...and our progeny.”

“As a World War II veteran who lives in the District of Columbia, I’m fortunate enough to be able to visit the memorial as often as I can, which includes nearly all the commemorative ceremonies,” said Harry Miller, a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. “The Memorial has started to show its age and I’m proud that Congress authorized the legislation of the commemorative coins to ensure this beautiful tribute to my generation will live on in perpetuity.”

The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 2004 – the culmination of a 17-year effort, led in Congress by Congresswoman Kaptur, who also authored the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act. The World War II Memorial 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.

Today, the Memorial is 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.

To receive email updates on presales and other timely information on the coins, please visit:

https://catalog.usmint.gov/greatest-generation-commemorative-coin/

The coins are expected to be on sale in early 2024.

About Friends of the National World War II Memorial (www.wwiimemorialfriends.org ):

Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends), based in Washington, D.C., is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to teaching the lessons of yesterday to unite the generations of tomorrow. Founded in 2007 by the creators of the National World War II Memorial, Friends brings visitors together for national ceremonies and experiences at the Memorial and for online educational programs centered around the themes of American unity, shared values and ideals, and the spirit of community.

About the United States Mint

Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; Silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.