For years Maine has presented coins honoring veterans for their service in wars and conflicts. But there are tens of thousands of veterans who served in peacetime. A new coin, called the Honorable Service Coin, was presented Friday in Augusta to acknowledge that service.
“Today we join to recognize the men and women who faithfully served our state and our nation in the armed forces, and to thank them for their sacrifice and to thank their families for their sacrifice as well,” said Gov. Janet Mills.
The ceremony in the Statehouse Hall of Flags comes in advance of Veterans’ Day, and is the first time the coins have been awarded.
“To the veteran, as we recognize you with this coin and approach Veteran’s Day and on behalf of the Maine National Guard, thank you for your service,” said Maj.Gen. Douglas Farnham, the Maine Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. “Thank you for answering the call of our nation and the sacrifices you made.”
The Maine Bureau of Veterans Service plans to award the coin and a certificate of appreciation to all eligible veterans.