|
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Henry Brown, Jr. (R-SC) made the following statement on the passage of H.R. 1209, the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009:
“Since coming to Washington, I have worked hard to recognize Medal of Honor recipients for their dedication and sacrifice in times of combat. These brave soldiers have received the nation’s highest award for valor, and I am proud to support yet another opportunity to honor not only the 97 living recipients, but all recipients of the Medals of Honor, a number totaling nearly 3,500.
More than 140 years after the Medal of Honor was established in 1863, America’s men and women in uniform are still serving in harm’s way to defend our nation. This commemorative coin will be a small token of the appreciation their heroic acts demand.”
The legislation passed this week directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins emblematic of the design picked by the Boards of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, in honor of the distinguished service of the American military men and women who have been Medal of Honor recipients.
“The commemorative coin for the Medal of Honor is important because it reflects the sacrifice and commitment of the nation and its citizens who serve to keep OUR country free,” said Medal of Honor recipient retired Major General James Livingston. “As one who has served, I deeply appreciate Congressman Brown’s leadership in this effort.”
Congressman Brown has also introduced legislation that would increase the special pension for Medal of Honor recipients to better reflect the nation’s gratitude for their heroism, and a resolution establishing an annual National Medal of Honor Day in March.
In addition, Brown believes that one of the best attractions to the First District of South Carolina is The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum located on the U.S.S. Yorktown in Charleston. This museum, part of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum complex, honors the brave men and women who have earned the nation’s highest military honor, and he is proud that it calls the First District home.
For more information on the Congressman’s work for Medal of Honor recipients and all veterans visit: http://www.brown.house.gov/Issues/veterans.html. For more information on the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum located on the U.S.S. Yorktown in Charleston visit: http://www.patriotspoint.org/exhibits/medal_honor/ .
|
