Public Law 117–162: To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, and for other purposes.

Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act

The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2004, and is located on the east end of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, opposite the Lincoln Memorial and west of the Washington Monument.

The dedication of the National World War II Memorial was the culmination of a 17-year effort that started on December 10, 1987 when the World War II Memorial Act was first introduced in the House of Representatives, and was authorized by an Act of Congress signed into law on May 25, 1993. Construction began September 4, 2001, after several years of fundraising and public hearings.

Opening to the public on April 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II and acknowledges the commitment and achievement of the entire Nation.

The Memorial honors the more than 16,000,000 who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home.

It is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the Nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world.

Today, the Memorial is a top destination for millions of annual visitors from all over the country and the world. For many young visitors, their visit to the Memorial is a first glimpse to a grateful Nation’s remembrance of the sacrifices made by the World War II generation.

For World War II veterans, the Memorial is a special destination, a rendezvous point, and a gathering place for reunions and commemoration programs.

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial play a vital role in the preservation and maintenance of the 136 STAT. 1350 National World War II Memorial as a treasure for the American people, while helping to facilitate key commemorative and educational programs at the Memorial to pay tribute to America’s “Greatest Generation” and their efforts to preserve liberty for generations to come.

The National World War II Memorial stands as an important symbol of America’s national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and power that flows when free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause for liberty.

The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the “Secretary”) shall mint and issue the following coin:

(1)

$5 gold coins.—

(2)

$1 silver coins.—

(3)

Half-dollar clad coins.—

The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.

For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

(2)

Designation and inscriptions.—

The designs for the coins minted under this Act shall be—

Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.

The Secretary may issue coins minted under this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 1, 2024.

The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of—

The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.

All sales of coins issued under this Act shall include a surcharge of—

Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the National World War II Memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial shall be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received under subsection (b).

Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.

minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States Government; and136 STAT. 1352

no funds, including applicable surcharges, shall be disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7 until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by this Act (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code.