The Congressional Medal of Honor Society today presented the Congress of the United States with a set of commemorative coins in appreciation for passing legislation 150 years ago to establish the Medal of Honor and for passing the Commemorative Coin Act as a way to honor the fewer than 3,500 heroes who have received this prestigious honor. The presentation was made by several Medal of Honor recipients in the U.S. Capitol on September 19, 2011. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), also a Medal of Honor recipient, received these special coins on behalf of Congress.
This year is the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing legislation establishing the Medal of Honor in 1861. To commemorate this historic milestone, the Congress directed the Secretary of the Treasury through the Commemorative Coin Act to mint five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins. The coins were also created to emphasize the values of courage and selflessness embodied in the Medal of Honor and the American spirit. Available only in 2011, the coins are a piece of American history and a portion of the proceeds will support the Medal of Honor Foundation’s education programs.
“One hundred and fifty years ago the Congress of the United States moved to create the Medal of Honor, to recognize those Americans who, through heroic acts of sacrifice, distinguished themselves on the field of battle,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye. “While fewer than 3,500 have received this high honor, it is symbolic of the brave, selfless actions that generations of soldiers have displayed while fighting to defend our great nation. When I received the Medal of Honor, I accepted it on behalf of my brothers who I fought and bled with in Europe during our war many years ago. During the time I spent fighting in World War II, I witnessed countless of acts of valor deserving of this high honor. To all who receive the Medal of Honor, remember those who fought beside you, and honor the memory of those who did not come home.”
The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins are available through the U.S. mint, www.usmint.gov/catalog or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) as a one-time opportunity to embrace the Medal of Honor principles.
“On this historic occasion, we thank the Congress of the United States for establishing the Medal of Honor and the commemorative coins as they remind people of the treasured values embodied in the Medal of having the courage to do the right thing and the selflessness to think of others before oneself,” said retired Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “These coins are a tangible way for Americans everywhere to embrace what the Medal of Honor represents, and we are graciously appreciative of the Congress recognizing the courageous acts of our men and women in uniform.”
This anniversary of the Medal of Honor represents 150 years of courage and sacrifice on the part of the millions of men and women who have defended our freedoms in uniform. Throughout the year, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Foundation will host a series of events to celebrate and educate Americans about the Medal’s history, ideals and significance.
