Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) hailed the signing into law of their legislation to create a commemorative 9/11 medal. Nadler and Schumer, representatives of Ground Zero and long-time advocates of those affected by 9/11, introduced and passed the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act, in the House and Senate respectively. The legislation, signed into law by President Obama this weekend, authorizes the minting of 2,000,000 medals to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and directs $10 of each medal sale to the National September 11th Memorial and Museum. The medals will be available starting in 2011.

“We will soon mark the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, one of the darkest moments in all of American history,” said Nadler. “These medals will serve as a simple commemoration of those who perished, suffered, or are still suffering. I am proud to honor those who lost their lives and to pay tribute to the many courageous rescue workers who risked their lives when others were in dire need. The Memorial and Museum will help us bear witness to their sacrifice for generations to come.”

“In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, New Yorkers and Americans came together for a common purpose, to rescue, to rebuild, to honor those lost and to never forget what took place on that terrible day,” said Schumer. “These commemorative medals honoring the 10th anniversary of September 11th provide us all with a special way to honor the bravery of those who perished, and the patriotism and community that their sacrifice inspired in a nation by raising money for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. September 11th was a national tragedy, but as a nation we must both pay tribute to those lost and find inspiration from them to reach new heights. I am proud to have worked so hard with Congressman Nadler to see this vision become a reality.”

“I want to extend my gratitude to Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Jerrold Nadler for championing legislation to create a commemorative medal to help raise awareness and support for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum,” said 9/11 Memorial President Joe Daniels. “This is a fitting way to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and support our national tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks.”

Some facts about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act:

• The new law authorizes the striking of up to 2,000,000 silver medals, to be issued throughout 2011 and 2012.
• Each medal will be inscribed with the years 2001-2011 and the phrase “Always Remember.” 
• The design of the medals will be selected by the Treasury secretary in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at WTC and the Commission of Fine Arts, and reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. 
• The cost of each medal, which will be determined by the U.S. Mint based on the cost of production, will include a $10 donation for the operation of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at WTC.