Press Release

June 10, 2008 

Contact:
Caroline Burns
(202) 225-3631 

BISHOP, WESTMORELAND LAUD LEGISLATION APPROVING INFANTRY COIN 
Proceeds from coin sales will benefit National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning 

Washington, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a bill honoring the legacy of the United States Infantry with the minting of a commemorative coin. Congressmen Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), who represent the “Home of the Infantry,” Fort Benning, in Congress, served as the legislation’s lead Democrat and Republican co-sponsors, respectively. The measure, H.R. 3229, had 290 co-sponsors overall. 

“I am proud to represent ‘The Home of the Infantry’ – Fort Benning – in Congress, and humbled and honored to be a co-sponsor of this legislation,” said Bishop on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.  “A great nation is measured in part by how it remembers those who defended, preserved, and contributed to its heritage.  The United States Army Infantry has contributed greatly over the years at a tremendous human cost, and it is beholden to those of us serving in Congress to pay tribute to their sacrifices.” 

Money raised through the sale of the coins will go toward maintaining the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning.  The 200-acre site, which is already under construction, will serve as a tribute to the infantry’s legacy of valor and sacrifice.  The museum will honor Infantry Soldiers for their selfless service to our country and preserve for all time the artifacts that tell their stories. 

 “For more than 200 years, our Infantry has defended our lives and our freedom, and no tribute can repay what these soldiers have given their fellow Americans,” U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said. “The Infantry coin itself is part of our continuing efforts to honor those who served on the front lines for this nation, and sales of the coin will honor them in perpetuity by creating an endowment that will fund the maintenance of the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning. I’m humbled to play a role in shining a spotlight on these American heroes. The museum is a great attraction for Columbus and sales of this coin will go a long way toward its success in the future.” 

“Passing of this coin legislation is a significant milestone in the National Infantry Foundation’s efforts in recognizing 233 years of sacrifice to this nation,” said Major Gen. (Ret.) Jerry White, Chairman of the National Infantry Foundation. 

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

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