Hero Street USA Commemorative Coins Proposed

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New Coin LegislationLegislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks coins in 2018 to commemorate Hero Street USA.

In 1968, Second Street of Silvis, Illinois, was renamed Hero Street in tribute to the sacrifice and patriotism of its residents. Just a block and a half long, more than 100 men and women from Hero Street have served in the Armed Forces of the United States since Mexican-American immigrants settled there in 1929. The concentration is higher than any other street of comparable size. From the first generation residents, six were killed in World War II and two in the Korean War.

Entitled Hero Street USA Commemorative Coin Act and numbered H.R.2525, the legislation calls for up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, a maximum of 400,000 silver dollars and up to 750,000 clad half-dollars with designs emblematic of Hero Street USA. The bill was introduced by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) on May 21, 2015.

"It is truly because of the sacrifices made by families like those who have called Hero Street home, and the brave young service members from Hero Street who put their lives on the line for us, that the American Dream is still alive today," said Rep. Bustos.

Hero Street USA Commemorative Coins would be produced by the United States Mint in collector finishes of proof and uncirculated and sold only in year 2018, the 50th anniversary of Hero Street’s renaming. Surcharges of $35 for every $5 coin, $10 per silver dollar and $5 for every half-dollar would be collected with each sale and paid to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) to carry out the organization’s mission of honoring and empowering wounded warriors.

For H.R.2525 to become law, it must pass in the House, the Senate and get signed by the President. The bill currently has 79 cosponsors and awaits action in the House Committee on Financial Services.

To learn more about Hero Street USA, visit www.herostreetusa.org.

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Richard

One street to symbolize all veterans? Seems like a stretch. You know, it’s easy to talk about supporting those who serve, harder to ask why they were thrown into recent wars.

Broadwing

I give up.

Ernesto

Sorry I don’t like this one. I bet 99.9% of Americans don’t know “Hero Street”. I never heard of it before. Why commemorate something so obscure?

vadim

How about to commemorate war heroes of recent wars? Be specific.

De La Rosa, Melissa

As 3rd generation hero street, USAF veteran, I am proud of my rich mexican-american military history. Research! I am proud, not only does this street represent mexican-american, but far more of how my descendants had and instilled becoming positively involved in United States society. The little old street represents the highest number of military enrollment to date, regardless of race/nationality. This commemorative represents the enrollment more so than any other location in the United States. Show your respect and pride!!