FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Sept. 14, 2015
Contact: Kristen Muszynski
office: 626-8404/cell: 441-7638

Commemorative U.S. Navy Reserve Centennial plate now available

AUGUSTA ? A new commemorative license plate celebrating the U.S. Navy Reserve Centennial is now available to the public.

An unveiling event is planned for Thursday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m., at the Scarborough Bureau of Motor Vehicles office, 200 Expedition Drive, Suite G (Cabela?s plaza).

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap will be joined by Sen. Ronald Collins (R-Wells) and Rep. Andrew McLean (D-Gorham) at the unveiling. Lieutenant Commander Matthew Billings of the Navy Operational Support Center in Bangor and Navy Reserve Lieutenent Michael Cianchette will also be in attendance, as will members of the Maine State Legislature?s Transportation Committee.

?Maine?s maritime history and strong heritage in the services of the defense of our nation are just the most basic reasons of why we?re proud to issue this commemorative plate,? said Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap. ?Honoring the long service of our Navy Reserve is a reminder that our national defense is maintained by the citizens of this country. The U.S. Navy Reserve has been an important part of that work for 100 years, and that?s worth celebrating.?

Legislation to create the U.S. Navy Reserve Centennial plate was submitted by Sen. Collins and was approved by the Legislature on July 4, 2015. The commemorative plate, outlined with a golden rope design, features a ?100? with a golden anchor through it, as well as the Maine State Seal and U.S. Navy Reserve Seal.

A commemorative license plate is different than the specialty license plates issued to support various causes. It does not have any numbers/letters on its face and cannot replace the legally issued plates. The commemorative plate must be placed over the front registration plate of the vehicle until it expires in March 2016. The existing registration plate on the back of the vehicle must remain visible.

The U.S. Navy Reserve Centennial plates are now available for purchase at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office for $15, with $10 of each purchase designated for the Maine Military Family Relief Fund. This fund provides for emergency loans and grants to members of the Maine National Guard, Reserves or Armed Forces, and their families, as well as to statewide nonprofit organizations that aid service members.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy Reserve. The issuance of the commemorative plate is part of the Navy Reserve Centennial Commemoration (NRCC), a celebration of the rich heritage of the Navy Reserve, the Navy and all the families that support their sailor?s service to our country. ?The reserve is an all-volunteer force that makes up 20 percent of the Navy?s total force.

Previous commemorative plates issued in Maine include the recent Congres Mondial Acadien plate, issued in 2013; the USA Patriot commemorative plate, issued during Operation Desert Storm; and the national bicentennial plate, issued in 1976.