Washington (June 28, 2016) – In 2020, our nation will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing at Cape Cod, Massachusetts and the establishment of Plymouth Colony.  Today, Congressman Bill Keating (D-Mass.) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) will introduce two pieces of legislation to commemorate this seminal event.
 
The first bill is the Commemorative Coin Act, which will create $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. The Plymouth coin series would come at no cost to the American taxpayer, and the proceeds will be shared among organizations preserving this celebrated history, including the local Wampanoag tribes who helped to ensure the survival of the Pilgrim settlement in the winter of 1620. These proceeds will go towards safeguarding the unique and rich history for families across the U.S. to continue learning about our country’s origins for the next centuries to come.
 
The second bill is the Commemoration Commission Act. The commission will assist in the planning, development, and execution of programs and activities appropriate to the anniversary celebration and will work to encourage and coordinate commemoration activities across the country. To that end, the commission will accept donations and provide funds, property, services, and grants to communities and nonprofit and scholarly organizations in furtherance of the commemoration.
 
“The Pilgrims’ pursuit of liberty and justice is a source of pride for the people of Massachusetts and a reminder of the uniquely American values and spirit that make this country a beacon of freedom for the world,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims' landing at Plymouth Rock and the vital contributions of the indigenous Wampanoag tribes with this coin set symbolizing bravery, perseverance, and camaraderie. I thank Congressman Keating for his leadership on this legislation and service to the people who call this historic region their home.” 
 
“2020 will be a proud mark for our country as we celebrate 400 years since the very beginning of this great American experiment,” said Congressman Keating.  “With this anniversary, we celebrate the successful settlement at Plymouth by the Pilgrims and the essential contributions of the Wampanoag tribes, as well as a number of key events that followed, including the signing of the Mayflower Compact, the 50-year Pilgrim-Wampanoag peace treaty, and the “First Thanksgiving,” which has been woven into the tradition of our country.  I am very honored to not only represent Cape Cod and Plymouth, Massachusetts, but also to introduce these bills with Senator Markey.  2020 will be a great year for our community and our country and I look forward to all the good things to come.”
 
Both pieces of legislation will be introduced in the United States House and Senate today.
 
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