Media Advisory
October 31, 2001
Contact: Dan A. Gwadosky
207-626-8406

***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Secretary of State to hold Press Conference to Unveil
New Decals to Personalize Veterans' License Plates
November 1, 2001 at 1:30 p.m.
Office of the Secretary of State
Corner of Sewall and Capital Streets, Augusta

Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky will be holding a press conference on November 1, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. to announce a new Veterans Commemorative Decal Program. Beginning November 5, 2001, Maine Veterans will have the option of placing a decal on their veterans' license plate (the plate with the red 'V') that recognizes their contribution to a particular branch of the armed services; their participation in certain conflicts or their receipt of an award for bravery or valor.

The Maine Veterans Commemorative Decal Program was authorized by the Maine Legislature during the last legislative session. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is making the decals available in time for Veteran's Day. Decals may be obtained at any one of the thirteen BMV Branch Offices.

A legislatively appointed task force established 22 decals for display with the veterans' plate. Five decals depict the seal of each branch of the armed services. Decals that represent ten individual awards for bravery, including the Bronze Star or higher, and seven campaign medals awarded for service in a hostile fire zone are also available.

During the press conference, the colorful decals will be unveiled and members of the task force have been invited to attend.

To request the decals a veteran who already has veterans' plates may bring a copy of the DD 214 (report or separation or discharge from active duty) to verify eligibility. The decals may only be used with the veterans' license plate with the red 'V'. The decals have been designed to be placed over the red 'V'. Each set of decals is $2.00.

This is an optional program and the current veterans' license plate with the red 'V' will still be valid without a decal.