The E-Sylum:  Volume 11, Number 17, April 27, 2008, Article 13

MILITARY COIN PRACTICE SPREADS TO CIVILIAN LIFE IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK

[The Watertown Daily Times of Watertown, NY discussed another
instance of military challenge coins inspiring similar coins
in civilian life. -Editor]

A piece of military distinction that has crept its way into
civilian life is now a part of Franklin D. Cean's collection
of honors.

The retiring owner of Knowlton Technologies, Engineered
Composites & Media received the first coin minted by the city
of Watertown and now being given to people who have demonstrated
outstanding commitment to the community.

After watching military brass hand out the personalized coins
to worthy recipients, Watertown City Manager Mary M. Corriveau
and Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham decided to have 300 coins minted
to be distributed as a token of the city's appreciation.

The face of the coin is embossed with the city seal. The back
is a statue of Hebe, the goddess of hospitality, a replica of
the one scheduled to be erected in Public Square when the
reconstruction project winds down in the fall.

"It's another way to say thank you," Mrs. Corriveau said.

The coins took hold in the U.S. military in World War I and
are now widely used as a form of recognition. Also known as
challenge coins, they were given to members of a unit as a
symbol of allegiance and loyalty.

Two U.S. War College coins hang on the city manager's office
wall, gifts she received in 2001 for attending a seminar that
involves civilian guests in face-to-face discussions with
senior military officers at the Carlisle Barracks, Pa., school.

"They'll be handed out very sparingly," Mr. Graham said. "We're
keeping a book, or ledger, of who we're giving them out to and
when and why."

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  Wayne Homren, Editor

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