Media Advisory
November 7, 2001
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8400

***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Press Conferences
Thursday, November 8, 2001

Secretary of State's Office Publishes Book Honoring Maine Veterans
Project an expansion of "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" Program

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will announce the publication of Maine Remembers Those Who Served: Tributes from the Pine Tree State, a 200 page book that provides a sampling of tributes by those who honored veterans through the "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" program.

The "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" program provided Maine citizens with the opportunity to honor those who proudly served this country in the armed services by wearing a personalized button to the polls. This small gesture sought to recognize our veterans' important contributions in keeping our democracy strong and ensuring our right to cast a ballot each Election Day. Over 10,000 people cast a ballot and honored a veteran in November 2000.

Maine Remembers has become an extension of that program by compiling the responses to a simple inquiry on the button request form, 'Please tell us something about the person you are honoring.' The book presents the many tributes historically by military conflict through five chapters:

Chapter 1 The Early Wars - Historic Heroes
Chapter 2 The World Wars - Sacrifices Around the Globe
Chapter 3 The Cold War Era - 1945-1990
Chapter 4 Today - The World's Peacekeepers
Chapter 5 Lifetimes of Service - Careers and Families

The original button program drew a connection between the sacrifices made by veterans and our right to vote. With this book, history comes to life by sharing Maine connections to many historical events.

Joining Secretary Gwadosky at the press conferences will be Gary Laweryson, Chair of the Maine Veterans Coordinating Committee, and Ann Larrivee, whose tribute to her father is included in the book.

A complimentary book will be provided to all high school and public libraries. The book will also be available for purchase ($9.95) at many bookstores or through the Office of the Secretary of State.