On August 4, 1920, US President Woodrow Wilson issued Presidential Proclamation 1572 regarding the then-upcoming 300th Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims.
It read:
My Fellow-Countrymen:
December 21 next will mark the Tercentenary of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620. The day will be becomingly celebrated at Plymouth under the auspices of the Plymouth Pilgrim Tercentenary Commission, and at other localities in Massachusetts. While this is proper and praiseworthy, it seems to me that the influences which the ideals and principles of the Pilgrims with respect to civil liberty and human rights have had upon the formation and growth of our institutions and upon our development and progress as a nation merit more than a local expression of our obligation, and make fitting a nation-wide observance of the day.
I therefore suggest and request that the 21st of December next be observed throughout the Union with special patriotic services in order that the great events in American history that have resulted from the landing of these hardy and courageous navigators and colonists may be accentuated to the present generation of American citizens. Especially do I recommend that the day be fittingly observed in the universities, colleges, and schools of our country to the end that salutary and patriotic lessons may be drawn from the fortitude and perseverance and the ideals of this little band of sturdy men and women who established on this continent the first self determined government based on the great principle of just law and its equal application to all, and thus planted the seed from which has sprung a mighty nation." 1920s coin collectors across the nation could respond to Wilson's request for observance "throughout the Union" via the purchase of a 1920 or 1921 Landing of the Pilgrims Half Dollar. A small token perhaps, but many collectors likely pondered the coin's associated history at the time and that was the intent of the Proclamation!
1920 Landing of the Pilgrims Half Dollar
For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including others about the 1920-21 Landing of the Pilgrims Tercentenaary Half Dollar, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 04/08/2023 3:50 pm
Uncirculated American Silver Eagles 
