From: U.S. Department of the Treasury <subscriptions@subscriptions.treas.gov>
Date: Fri, Jun 27, 2014 at 1:45 PM
Subject: Fearless Historic Leaders Honored at Congressional Medal Ceremonies
To: iammejtm@gmail.com
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The United States Mint plays an important part in helping to honor leaders who have changed the course of history, and this week was especially monumental because of the two Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies I had the honor of attending. On Tuesday, Congress awarded medals posthumously to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and to Israeli President Shimon Peres yesterday. The United States Mint strikes and designs every Congressional Gold Medal, which are the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions bestowed by Congress. At Tuesday's ceremony in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Congressional leaders joined to commemorate the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. King with speeches that reflected on how far our country has come and how much further we need to go in securing equal rights for all. The legislation authorizing the medal, Public Law 108-368, recognized Dr. and Mrs. King "as the first family of the civil rights movement" who "have distinguished records of public service to the American people and international community."
During the ceremony, U.S. Representative John Lewis from Georgia, a historic figure from the civil rights movement in his own right, said "Often history remembers speeches of facts and figures, but I cannot forget their love. From their union came an enduring strength that carried many of us through the darkest days of the movement." Next week marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which the United States Mint is honoring this year with the minting and issuing of a commemorative coin. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 greatly expanded civil rights protections, outlawing racial segregation in public places and places of public accommodation; funding federal programs; and encouraging desegregation in public schools. Learn about how the commemorative coin is emblematic of this important law by watching this video from the United States Mint. At yesterday's ceremony, Israeli President Shimon Peres received a Congressional Gold Medal that recognizes and honors the strong bilateral relations he helped maintain between Israel and the United States.
As President Peres nears the end of his term, yesterday's ceremony was a fitting opportunity for Washington to reflect on his remarkable legacy of courage, conviction, and compassion. He is the only surviving member of the founding generation of Israel, and has said, "America stood by our side from the very beginning. You support us as we rebuild our ancient homeland and as we defend our land. From Holocaust to redemption." Vice President Biden delivered remarks at the ceremony: Vice President Biden @VP "You've been indefatigable in your search for peace." -VP to President Peres of #Israel at a ceremony earlier today PresidentPeres @PresidentPeres VIDEO: Address by President Shimon Peres at the United States Congress http://youtu.be/Rr0fTJD7WJI #PeresUSA Rosie Rios is the Treasurer of the United States.
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Jeremy Tobias Matthews
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