NEW WINDSOR – Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY18) took the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the creation of the Purple Heart Medal to announce he has introduced legislation to create a Purple Heart commemorative coin.
Maloney (podium) announced his effort at the National Purple Heart
Hall of Honor in New Windsor
The House member said the coin, which would be struck at the US Mint at West Point, would be a symbol of an obligation owed to those who sacrificed their bodies for the freedom of all Americans.
“We all have an obligation to recognize the sacrifice of people who’ve done so much for our freedom,” Maloney said. “You can’t come here to the Purple Heart Hall of Honor without being reminded of the extraordinary sacrifices people have made, so that all of us can live our daily lives in freedom, and this is one way to remind folks.”
Only one coin is issued in each year of Congress and the coins do not
cost the taxpayers anything as the purchase price of the coin pays for
their production with anything above that being dedicated to the sponsoring
agency, in this case, the Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
“It’s really a win-win-win,” said Maloney. “It’s a great way to remind people about the importance of honoring our Purple Heart Award winners, of supporting the mint locally and the Purple Heart Hall of Honor.”
So far, 100 congressional representatives have co-sponsored the bill out of the 290 needed in order to mint a commemorative coin.
Assemblyman James Skoufis (D, NY99) said he, and other state representatives, will be taking the initiative at the state level to make sure this legislation passes.
Maloney anticipates his legislation will be passed and come full circle this year.
