CHALLENGE COIN CEREMONY
First, I want to explain the Montana Military Appreciation Project. During World War 1, in one American volunteer flying squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One squadron pilot was shot down behind enemy lines and was captured by a German patrol. However, he succeeded in escaping and eventually he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French soldiers thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him.
The American pilot used his coin with the insignia of his squadron to identify himself to the French soldiers. With great luck, one of the French captors recognized the American squadron insignia on the medallion and they gave him a bottle of wine instead of executing him. Thereafter, it became tradition that all members carried their coin at all times. This was accomplished through a ritual challenge to ensure compliance. If anyone challenged by striking their coin on a hard surface, all in attendance had to respond in same manner. Anyone not having hteir medallion or coin had to buy a round of drinks. If everyone produced theirs, the challenger was required to buy the round of drinks for every one.
Description of the Citizen Coin:
Silver represents a higher rank in the military and the citizens of Montana hold servicemen in the highest regard. The outside ring of the front of the coin says "Montana Servicemen" while the center has the Great Seal of the State of Montana, symbolizing that the citizens of Montana are presenting this coin. On the outer ring on the bottom is the words "Proud of Our Troops."
On the reverse, an American flag in the center symbolizes patriotism. On a banner below the flag are three words "Duty, Honor, and Courage", with "Thank You for Your Service to your Country" around the outside.
The challenge coin was presented because Montana citizens recognize that our Montana soldiers have met their challenge.
The American's Creed:
"I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign States, a perfect union, one and inseparable; established up on those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
"I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."
Written 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.