Bipartisan Rounds bill funds repairs at WWII memorial

The U.S. Treasury Department would be authorized to mint coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., under a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD).

“We must make sure this memorial is properly maintained for generations to come,” Sen. Rounds said. “Our bipartisan legislation will support the restoration of this memorial and further education about the Greatest Generation through the creation of a commemorative coin.”

Sen. Rounds on May 12 sponsored the Greatest Generation Memorial Act, S. 1596, with nine original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

The National World War II Memorial, which has hosted over 70 million visitors since its dedication in 2004, honors the 16 million who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort stateside. The memorial is funded by the National Park Service, which currently has a $12 billion capital construction backlog.

If enacted, the legislation would authorize proceeds from coin sales to go toward repairs and maintenance at the memorial and support commemorative and educational programming, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Rounds’ office.

“The National World War II Memorial is a special place for our nation’s veterans and citizens, both young and old, to remember the tremendous sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation,” said Sen. Rounds. “I’ve had the honor of visiting this memorial alongside some of South Dakota’s World War II veterans and I can tell you that it was an unforgettable experience.”

Coin sale proceeds would go to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 to maintain and repair the memorial and to continue educational and commemorative programming.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Commemorative Air Force, the Afikim Foundation, and the 82nd Airborne Division Association endorsed the measure.

U.S. Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) on Feb. 15 introduced companion legislation, H.R. 1057, which has 190 cosponsors.