WASHINGTON – Congressman Bill Keating and Senator Ed Markey have filed two bills in Washington aimed at celebrating the upcoming 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in the new world.
The first of the bills, the Commemorative Coin Act, would create a Plymouth-specific coin series of $5, $1, and half-dollar coins, depicting the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620. According to Keating’s office, the new coins would come at no cost to taxpayers.
The second bill would form a Commemoration Commission, which would assist in the planning and development of anniversary celebrations across the country.
“2020 will be a proud mark for our country as we celebrate 400 years since the very beginning of this great American experiment,” said 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.”
The bills were introduced in the House and the Senate on Tuesday.
“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 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.
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