COIN TO HONOR AMERICAN SOLDIERS

A bill signed into law by President Bush on Dec. 1, 2008 requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the United States Army in 1775, to honor the American soldier. It calls for a copper-nickel half dollar, a silver dollar and $5 gold commemorative piece for year 2011.

The original bill, introduced in the House of Representatives (H.R. 5714), had 348 co-sponsors and passed the House unanimously on Oct. 3. It passed the Senate on Nov. 17 also by unanimous consent. — David L. Ganz