Reschenthaler Introduces Legislation to Honor Arnold Palmer with Commemorative Coin

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) introduced the Arnold Daniel Palmer Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that would designate a commemorative coin in 2029 in honor of Westmoreland County native Arnold Palmer for his service to our country, achievements in the sport of golf, and his exemplary character.

 

“Arnold Palmer was a Pennsylvania native, Coast Guard veteran, and world-class golfer whose charisma and character made him an American icon,” said Reschenthaler. “Honoring ‘The King’ with a commemorative coin would showcase to the nation the vast impact he had on the world of sports and every golf fan who ever watched him play. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating this American legend’s life.”

 

Proceeds from purchases of the coin will be used to fulfill the mission of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. The non-profit works to promote children’s health, character development, wellness through nature, and Arnold Palmer’s standing in American history.

 

In 2019, Reschenthaler led a bipartisan effort to recognize Arnold Palmer's service in the U.S. Coast Guard. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard renamed a wing of the Training Center (TRACEN) Petaluma schoolhouse as the Arnold D. Palmer Professional Annex in 2021.

 

 

Arnold Palmer was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 1929 and graduated from Greater Latrobe High School in 1947. In 1951, Mr. Palmer attended recruit training at Cape May, New Jersey. There, he was assigned the role of physical fitness and self-defense instructor. He would go on to serve as a yeoman for Rear Admiral Roy L. Raney, Commander of the 9th Coast Guard District Auxiliary in Cleveland, Ohio. Arnold Palmer credited his successful golf career to his enlisted service, stating: “The knowledge that I gained, the maturity that I gained in the Coast Guard was unbelievable…It matured me. It made me a better person.”

 

Palmer’s athletic achievements include being a two-time NCAA champion, four-time Masters champion, U.S. Open champion, and two-time British Open champion – as well as 95 professional wins.

 

In 2004, Palmer received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2012, Palmer was awarded and presented with the Congressional Gold Medal.

 

To this day, Arnold Palmer's philanthropic efforts, known as “Arnie's Army,” continue through the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando, Florida, and the Arnold Palmer Cancer Center at Excela Hospital in Unity Township, Pennsylvania.

 

 

Commemorative coins are produced by the U.S. Mint pursuant to an act of Congress. These coins are legal tender that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. In order to receive a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives, the legislation must have 290 cosponsors. Congress may only authorize two coins per year.

 

View the full legislation here.