FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2011
Contact: Caitlin E. Chamberlain
(207) 441-0501

Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. Announces Signing Ceremony for LD 1529: “An Act Honoring Gold Star Families through Special Registration Plates”

AUGUSTA, Maine – Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. has announced that Governor Paul LePage will sign LD 1529: “An Act Honoring Gold Star Families through Special Registration Plates” on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Cabinet Room.  The bill was sponsored by Representative Bradley Moulton, R-York. 

?This simply is the right thing to do and I am pleased to sign a bill that honors our fallen heroes,? said Governor LePage.?

After a similar bill failed to pass in 2009 due to the cost of manufacturing the plates, John Mixon of Ogunquit, a veteran of the Vietnam War, began raising funds for the Gold Star plates through his organization, Run for the Fallen. Governor Paul LePage has personally donated to the cause. Emily Knight, a Wells High School senior, designed the plate. 3M has generously donated the first roll of material to produce the plates.

?I am very proud that we were able to all work together to pass this important piece of legislation.? This plate is a solemn, dignified tribute to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our freedom,? said Secretary Summers.

The Gold Star Family registration plates are expected to be made available by the end of the summer to families who qualify.