By U.S. House of Representatives….
U.S. Representatives Bill Posey (R-FL8), Frederica Wilson (D-FL24), John Culberson (R-TX7), Gene Green (D-TX29) and Rod Blum (R-IA1) introduced legislation to recognize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon landing with a commemorative Apollo 11 coin. July 20, 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.
“The United States remains the only country to have ever landed humans on a celestial body off the Earth and brought them home safely,” said Representative Bill Posey, who worked on the Apollo program as a young man. “Honoring that great feat and recognizing astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins, who made this historic journey, is what our bipartisan legislation is all about.”
“It is an honor to cosponsor the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. I will never forget the day that I and millions of others witnessed on television what is inarguably one of our nation’s greatest achievements,” said Representative Frederica Wilson. “As a former longtime educator, I am especially pleased that as a result of this legislation, future generations will be ensured opportunities to make many more leaps for mankind and cement the United States’ position as a leader in the STEM fields.”
“The landing of Apollo 11 marks an important milestone in human history and to-date, is the farthest humans have traveled. We need to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers to push the limits and take up the mantle of space exploration to Mars and beyond. So it is fitting that proceeds from the coin will fund STEM education scholarships and programs,” said Representative John Culberson.
“I’m proud to cosponsor this bill with my colleagues, which celebrates one of the greatest achievements in history, not only for America, but for mankind,” Representative Gene Green said. “The commemorative coin will serve a reminder of what we’ve achieved and an inspiration to continue to strive for greatness.”
“The Apollo 11 landing on the moon marked a truly incredible American achievement, and this coin will commemorate the sacrifices and ingenuity of those who worked on the Apollo missions and put our country on the moon nearly 50 years ago. Further, there is a strong connection between Iowa’s First District and the Apollo missions through Cedar Rapids-based Rockwell Collins — in fact, astronaut Neil Armstrong broadcast his famous ‘That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind,’ statement using a Collins radio. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation,” said Representative Rod Blum.
The 50th Anniversary Commemorative Apollo 11 Coin would celebrate not only the innovative spirit and resolve that defined the Apollo program but also the estimated 400,000 Americans across the country who contributed to its extraordinary success.
Proceeds from the coin will support college scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degrees, educational initiatives that promote space exploration, the Astronauts Memorial that honors the astronauts whom have fallen in the line of duty, and the National Air and Space Museum’s new “Destination Moon” exhibit– all at no cost to taxpayers.
