Today, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), representatives of Ground Zero and long-time advocates of the victims of 9/11, jointly introduced legislation to create an official 9/11 commemorative medal. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center Commemorative Medal Act, introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives, would authorize the creation of up to 2,000,000 silver medals commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and provide funding for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center.

“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 medals commemorating 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. September 11th was a national tragedy, but as a nation we must both pay tribute those lost and find inspiration from them to reach new heights.”

“Issuing a 9/11 commemorative medal is a simple but poignant way to mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our nation and simultaneously support the World Trade Center Memorial,” said Nadler. “These medals will honor the courage and sacrifice of those who perished in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and recognize the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others on that day.”

“These special medals bearing the inscription ‘Always Remember’ honorably express the promise felt across America following the September 11th attacks,” said Joe Daniels, President of the 9/11 Memorial. “There has been tremendous construction progress of the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site, and these medals will help further support the building of a national tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims lost to terror. I’d like to personally thank Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Jerrold Nadler for introducing a bill providing a way to commemorate the 10th anniversary, support the Memorial and Museum and to recognize the victims of 9/11.”

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

• The legislation 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.