(U.S. Senate) – Chairman Jon Tester of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is joining a bipartisan, legislative effort to repair and maintain the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Greatest Generation Memorial Act would authorize the U.S. Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial. Proceeds from the coin sales would be used to make critical repairs and maintenance at the Memorial, and support commemorative and educational programming.

“The National World War II Memorial honors the enduring sacrifices made by our nation’s Greatest Generation—including nearly 1,900 Montanans who gave everything in the line of duty,” said Tester. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill that’ll help preserve their legacy by allowing all Americans to pay their respects at this important site for generations to come.”  

Since its opening in 2004, the Memorial has hosted more than 70 million visitors and tens of thousands of World War II veterans. The Memorial is the first in the nation honoring the 16 million U.S. servicemembers who served during World War II, more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort at home.

The Greatest Generation Memorial Act is supported by various Veterans Service Organizations and veteran advocates, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America, Commemorative Air Force, Afikim Foundation, and 82nd Airborne Division Association.

A staunch advocate for honoring our nation’s Greatest Generation, Tester spoke on the Senate floor last year in support of designating a state funeral and authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda for the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient. The Senator also led Montana’s Congressional delegation in requesting this designation from President Biden last summer.