Honoring Our Veterans

By Searrah Herendeen

This year’s opening ceremony in Marquette will feature a special moment to honor our veterans. Free commemorative challenge coins will be presented to the people that have served. Veterans can then challenge others with a coin check. Registration is available online and in-person. “Honoring Our Veterans” is being sponsored by Krist Oil.

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how to get a challenge coin

There are two ways to get a challenge coin. One way is by registering a veteran online prior to the opening ceremony. The second way is registering a veteran on-site before the opening ceremony starts. A presenter is not required in order to get a challenge coin. If you are a veteran and plan to attend the opening ceremony solo, you can register yourself. To register a veteran online, or to learn more information, please visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/honoring-our-veterans

The challenge coins will be presented during the opening ceremony before the torch light parade. One veteran will be chosen to join 2022 Gold Medal Olympian Nick Baumgartner on stage and a coin will be presented to them. Following that moment, families in the crowd will then present a challenge coin to the veteran they are honoring. Individuals that registered themselves will hold their coins up high with honor.

I challenge thee…

Those that have served may already be familiar with challenge coins. To those that are not familiar, challenge coins are given out to honor members that have served this country. A holder of a challenge coin can initiate a coin check by shouting out, or loudly placing the coin against a surface in front of them (be careful not to drop it on the ground). The person(s) being challenged must show their coin in the same manner. If the challenged does not have a coin, or does not present them properly, they owe the challenger and the rest of the group a round of drinks. If the challenged all respond with a coin, the person that challenged the group or individual owes them a round of drinks.

Reference:
Imminent Threat Solutions. (2021, June 29). Challenge coin rules, history and tradition. https://store.itstactical.com/blogs/knowledge-articles/challenge-coin-rules-history-and-tradition

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.

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