On Aug. 6 2010, President Obama signed into law the National September 11th Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act, authorizing the United States Mint to strike 2 million silver medals to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Championed by Rep. Jerry Nadler, whose congressional district includes the World Trade Center site, and Sen. Chuck Schumer of NY, the legislation aims to be “emblematic of the courage, sacrifice, and strength of those individuals who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others that day, and the endurance, resilience, and hope of those who survived,” according to the bill. Members of Congress ensured that it quickly reach the president’s desk before the August recess by securing unanimous consent in the Senate and obtaining 314 cosponsors in the House.
Yesterday, Nadler and Schumer held a news conference, calling for a crackdown on The National Collectors’ Mint, a manufacture producing a phony coin that will not support the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, CBSNews NY reports.
The design of the official medal will be selected by the U.S. Treasury Secretary in consultation with the memorial and museum and the U. S. Mint. Each medal will be inscribed with the years “2001-2011” and the phrase “Always Remember.” The medal will help support the maintenance and operation of the memorial and museum.
By Norm Dannen, Public Affairs Associate
