Commems Collection Modern: 2028 250 Years Of Service And Sacrifice - Possible? 119th Congress #02

Bill(s)

- HR 951 (Introduced February 4, 2025; Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY))

Short Title

- 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice Commemorative Coin Act

Proposed Year of Issue

- 2028

Purpose

To mint coins in commemoration of the continual recognition of the Nation's semiquincentennial by honoring over 250 years of Americans' service and sacrifice.

Findings

The Congress finds the following:

(1) July 4, 1776, marks the historic date when the unanimous Declaration of Independence was adopted, establishing the thirteen United States of America as a free and independent nation.

(2) July 4, 2026, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Nation's declaration of independence.

(3) It is a long-standing tradition to honor significant milestones in American history through the minting of commemorative coins.

(4) The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation exemplifies the principles of service and sacrifice that have defined the Nation for more than 250 years by providing financial support, housing assistance, and educational opportunities to Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families, honoring the bravery and dedication of those who serve.

(5) First responders have played a vital role in safeguarding American lives and communities since the Nation's founding, dating back to the first publicly funded, paid fire department established in Boston in 1678.

(6) During the Civil War (1861-1865), first responders, including battlefield medics and firefighters, played critical roles in saving lives and mitigating destruction, reinforcing their importance in times of national crisis.

(7) Gold Star families, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Nation, have endured profound loss while upholding the principles of freedom and democracy. Their resilience and dedication to honoring their fallen loved ones continue to inspire and strengthen communities across America.

(8) First responders embody the ideals of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" by safeguarding lives and communities, representing a modern continuation of the sacrifices made during the fight for independence.

(9) The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation's mission ensures that the legacy of service and sacrifice is preserved and that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others are never forgotten.

(10) The issuance of this commemorative coin will raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in upholding the freedoms envisioned in the Declaration of Independence.

(11) Congress has a long-standing tradition of authorizing commemorative coins to celebrate the Nation's history and the contributions of its citizens and organizations to preserving liberty and justice for all.

(12) Proceeds from the surcharges on the sale of these commemorative coins will directly benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, enabling the continuation of its impactful programs that support Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families.

Coins

- Up to 100,000 Gold Half Eagles ($5 coins)
- Up to 500,000 Silver Dollars
- Up to 750,000 Clad Copper-Nickel Half Dollars

Surcharges

- Gold Half Eagle: $35
- Silver Dollar: $10
- Clad Half Dollar: $5

Sponsor/Beneficiary

- Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation "to support programs that provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, the families of first responders killed in the line of duty, scholarships for their children, resources for disaster response teams, and memorial projects honoring their service and sacrifice. These efforts serve as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of those who have safeguarded and advanced the ideals of the Declaration of Independence from its signing to the present day."

Comments

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Stephen Gerard Siller was a firefighter in Brooklyn's Squad 1. Even though he was off duty, he made his way, on foot with his gear, from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to New York City's World Trade Center to help. He lost his life trying to help others. You can learn more about the Foundation here: Tunnels to Towers Foundation".

The Foundation "carries out its mission to "do good," by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001."

The coin's sponsor/beneficiary appears to be a worthy recipient and I believe the bill has a good chance of ultimately being passed. IMO, it is likely, however, that its passage will come in a future Congress vs. the 119th,

It will face competition for one of the two 2028 coin slots from the Rosie the Riveter coin proposal (see 2028 Rosie The Riveter - Possible? 119th Congress #01 and likely the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games coin proposal 2028 L#1040;28 Olympic And Paralympic Games - Possible? #06) - yet to be re-introduced in the 119th Congress. A "2029" proposal might work out better.

Likelihood of Passage?

The House bill currently has 5 co-sponsors - many more will be needed.

- Per GovTrack: 14% (as of date of this post)


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Possible? commemorative coin stories, see: Commems Collection.