In honoring this important centennial, the coin will recognize a century of Foreign Service contributions to American diplomacy, from the passage of the Rogers Act in 1924 to today. It will also commemorate the sacrifice made by the 321 of its members who gave their lives while serving, and the many more who continued to serve in the face of a range of dangers.

Commemorative coins issued and marketed by the U.S. Mint are a tangible (budget neutral!), visible way to recognize diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service and to build public appreciation for both. They highlight the importance of history and of honoring public service. Our colleagues in the United States military recognize this and have sought and gotten numerous such commemorative coins celebrating military anniversaries over the years.

Commemorative coin bills require 290 House and 67 Senate cosponsors before they are sent to the floor.  Therefore, not cosponsoring is a de facto NO vote.  Please contact your senators and representatives to urge them to cosponsor S.789 and H.R.3537 – and follow up regularly until they do or explain why not.  Getting 67 senators and 290 representatives to co-sponsor this bill is a challenge, but  we can do it if we make our collective voice heard.