National commander: Help us pass Legion Coin Act
Dear Legion Family Members and Friends,
In the June issue of The American Legion Magazine, I discussed an historic opportunity for our organization. The U.S. Congress only authorizes the minting of two commemorative coins per year. We are counting on your support of legislation -- H.R. 2519 and S. 1182 – that would bestow this honor upon the greatest veterans organization the world has ever seen.
With your help, we can encourage Congress to mark The American Legion’s 2019 Centennial with these limited edition, exquisitely crafted commemorative coins. Not only would these coins raise public awareness about the most influential veterans organization in the world, but proceeds from their sale would raise funds for our programs that assist veterans, servicemembers and their families.
A centennial coin would generate millions of dollars to pay for programs that fall under our four founding pillars of veterans affairs and rehabilitation, strong national defense, children and youth, and Americanism. From service officer training to Operation Comfort Warriors to American Legion Baseball, these programs enrich our communities, states and nation.
A bipartisan group in Congress is gathering support for The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. Please ask your representative and senators to join sponsors Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind.; Sen Joe Donnelly, D-Ind.; Rep Phil Roe, R-Tenn.; and Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn.; and co-sponsor this important legislation. You can call or write to their district offices or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. The easiest way to spread this message is through our Legislative Action Center which you can reach BY CLICKING HERE and allow us to help you compose and draft a message.
There is already strong competition from other groups seeking their own commemorative coin. We must let Congress know that H.R. 2519 and S. 1182 are extremely important to The American Legion and anybody who supports veterans and our enriching programs.
After all, there are only two commemorative coins authorized by Congress each year. Already scheduled for 2019 is the minting of a coin to honor the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Many of the astronauts and support personnel who made that mission possible were Legionnaires. Some were even educated through the GI Bill, made possible by The American Legion. I truly believe that most of those Apollo 11 heroes would approve of this pairing. With your help, we can make this happen. Contact your members of Congress today.