On January 10, 2019, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) was pleased to announce the final design selection for the new State of Maine Honorable Service Coin and Plaque, which will honor all Maine Veterans, past and present, regardless of their branch or era of service. The winning design was submitted by Georgette L. Kanach, of Gray, Maine, whose design was chosen by popular vote of more than 1,200 Maine Veterans.
U.S. military members have a longstanding tradition of carrying special “challenge coins” to symbolize branch and unit identity and foster esprit de corps. In 2002, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services commissioned the first of four bronze plaques that now hang in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State Capitol, each representing Veterans who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as women Veterans. A likeness of each of the four plaques was made into coins that are regularly presented to Maine Veterans based on their era of service.
As many other Maine Veterans have served during peacetime and in conflicts other than WWII, Korea and Vietnam, the Honorable Service Coin was commissioned to honor those Veterans who would otherwise not be eligible to receive one of the four previously existing coins. A matching plaque will also be hung in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta.
“The creativity, artistic talent, patriotism and compassion for our Veterans was evident in all of the submitted designs, but ultimately, only one could be chosen,” said David Richmond, Acting Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. “On behalf of the Artist Selection Committee and the State of Maine, I extend my congratulations to Ms. Georgette Kanach and thank all of the artists for lending their time and talent to honoring our Veterans.”
A formal unveiling ceremony for the Honorable Service Coin and Plaque will be announced.
About the Artist:
Georgette Kanach, of Gray, Maine, is a proud artist, Mainer and mother of two Veteran daughters; grandmother to two Veteran grandchildren; sister to four Veteran brothers; and aunt to many nieces and nephews who have served and who are serving in the military. Kanach says her greatest honor would be to one day present each of her daughters with an Honorable Service Coin.
About Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services:
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services was established in 1947 by the State of Maine and is part of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. Our mission is to help Mainers who served, and their loved ones, understand and navigate the benefits, services, and programs available to them. The Bureau does this by being a responsive, experienced, and dedicated advocate. The Bureau is headquartered at Camp Keyes and has seven field service offices located throughout the state and a claims office located at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Togus, Maine. The Bureau also operates the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System which includes four veterans’ cemeteries. For more information about the Bureau or to request assistance, please visit our website at www.maine.gov/veterans.
Sarah A. Sherman, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Bureau of Veterans’ Services
117 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0117
(207) 430-5816
Email: sarah.sherman@maine.gov
