FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2011
Contact: Caitlin E. Chamberlain
(207) 441-0501

Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. to Present Gold Star Family License Plates at Run for the Fallen - Maine

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – Secretary of State Charlie Summers will be presenting the Gold Star Family license plates to family members of soldiers killed in the line of duty during the closing ceremony and lobster bake for the 4th Annual Run for the Fallen – Maine, on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. 

Fifty-two sets of Gold Star Family license plates have already been assigned. The license plate numbers are randomly assigned by drawing a commemorative chip that corresponds with each plate number.  The chips were generously donated by the John Kendall, owner of Chipco, and will also be presented to the recipient when they receive their plates. 

The Run for the Fallen - Maine, organized by John Mixon of Ogunquit, a veteran of the Vietnam War, follows a 65 km course beginning in Ogunquit and ending at Monument Square in Portland.  Each kilometer is dedicated to the memory of a Maine soldier who has given their life in service to our nation since September 11, 2001. 

Secretary Summers will also be running a portion of the course, including kilometer 59 which has been dedicated to Staff Sergeant Brandon Silk, son of Bureau of Motor Vehicles Senior Detective Mark Silk and his wife Lynn. 

For more information about the Run for the Fallen – Maine please visit http://www.runforthefallenmaine.org/.

For more information on who is eligible to receive a Gold Star Family license plate and/or to obtain an application, please contact the Bureau of Veterans’ Services at (207) 430-6035 or visit http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs.