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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 13, 2026 |
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) is proud to announce that it is making the design for its newly unveiled veterans-only parking signs available for public use, allowing veterans organizations, hospitals, municipalities, schools, and other entities across the nation to install the signs in their own communities.
The announcement follows a special event celebrating veterans and active-duty service members, where the MTA unveiled dedicated veterans parking spaces at all Maine Turnpike service plazas and at MTA headquarters in Portland.
The custom sign was designed in-house by Maine Turnpike Authority, and the final design was selected by the MTA Veterans Group.
The impact of the design became apparent during the unveiling ceremony, when leaders from American Legion Post 74 of Kennebunk and American Legion Post 159 of Kennebunkport asked whether they could have signs produced for their own posts. Their reaction sparked a broader conversation about how the design could benefit veterans beyond Maine.
"When the Post Commanders asked if they could have a sign made for their posts, it was an easy answer," said MTA Executive Director Andre Briere. "We were honored that it meant so much to them. The more we talked about it, the more we realized there is no reason to limit the design to Maine. If it can help veterans, then that's exactly what we should do."
Inspired by those requests, the MTA and the designer chose to relinquish copyright restrictions on the design, making it freely available to organizations nationwide for use in creating dedicated veterans parking spaces.
The initiative builds upon the Maine Turnpike's longstanding designation as the Gold Star Memorial Highway, a distinction established in 1965 to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who carry their legacy.
"The value of sharing it far outweighs the value of owning it," said Briere. "We're not in the business of protecting good ideas from being used. We're in the business of serving people. If something we've created can help another organization recognize veterans, improve safety, or strengthen communities, then we want to see it shared."
Organizations interested in using the veterans parking sign design may reproduce it free of charge to establish dedicated veterans parking spaces in their own communities.
For additional information or coordination, agencies are encouraged to contact the MTA Communications staff at their Portland, ME, headquarters.