Ambassadors of Remembrance: How a Challenge Coin Captures a Global Commitment to Holocaust Memory
- Renae
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
At Challenge Design, we believe that every coin tells a story—but some stories transcend time, carrying the weight of history and the power of remembrance. The International March of the Living is one such story. It is not just a walk; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a solemn tribute to those lost, and a call to ensure that history is never forgotten. When we were entrusted with creating a challenge coin for the 2019 March of the Living, we knew this was no ordinary project. This coin had to embody the profound journey from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the resilience of the Jewish people, and the unbreakable connection to Israel. Every design choice, every detail, was crafted with the purpose of making this coin a piece of history that would be held, remembered, and passed down.
The International March of the Living is a powerful journey that takes participants on a 3-kilometer walk from Auschwitz to Birkenau, two haunting reminders of humanity’s darkest chapter. This annual event honors the memory of Holocaust victims while celebrating the resilience of the Jewish people. Walking that path alongside survivors, educators, and people from all over the world is not just a march—it’s a deeply personal act of remembrance and a commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten. It’s a moment that stays with you forever, reminding us all of the importance of standing against hatred and injustice in every form.
March of the Living 2019 in Israel
While the March of the Living serves as a profound act of remembrance, the 2019 march held even more significance. In 2019, the International March of the Living took on even deeper meaning as it connected participants with Israel, the homeland that stands as a beacon of Jewish survival and hope. For many, the journey didn’t end at Birkenau; it carried on to Israel, where participants celebrated life, resilience, and the future of the Jewish people. Standing at Yad Vashem or the Western Wall after experiencing the march added a profound sense of closure and renewal. It wasn’t just a journey of remembrance; it was a celebration of strength and the enduring legacy of those who lived through unimaginable horrors.
U.S. Ambassador Delegation for 2019 March of the Living
As the March of the Living highlighted global unity and the enduring legacy of the Jewish people, several U.S. Ambassadors formed an official delegation to participate in this solemn event at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. Grenell, the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Friedman, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and Mosbacher, the U.S. Ambassador to Poland, co-chaired the delegation, underscoring the powerful message of solidarity and remembrance. These diplomatic leaders embody the best of American values, using their positions to promote global unity, advocate for justice, and strengthen international partnerships. Their leadership in such a meaningful event further solidifies their lasting impact in global diplomacy and their commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust for future generations.
The rest of the delegation includes U.S. Ambassadors from Spain (Duke Buchan III), the Holy See (Callista Gingrich), and Switzerland (Edward McMullen, Jr.); as well as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Elan Carr; and the Chairman of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad Paul Packer. -Berlin Global
March of the Living Ambassador Challenge Coin
Creating the March of the Living ambassador challenge coin was a profoundly moving and deeply meaningful project for our team. As designers, we often craft symbols of history and honor, but this coin stands apart. It represents a journey of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring commitment to educating future generations about the Holocaust. Designing a piece that captures the essence of walking in the footsteps of those who suffered while also celebrating the perseverance of the Jewish people was a true privilege.
The coin's design is both reflective and hopeful. The front features a stunning shiny silver finish, framed by a blue band with bold text that reads, “To Walk, To Witness, To Remember.” This powerful call to action sets the tone for the piece. Below, the small text reminds us of the sobering reality of those whose last steps were taken to their deaths, while the white band emphasizes the international nature of the March of the Living. The centerpiece, a white field with the March of the Living logo—a blue Star of David—symbolizes unity and remembrance. The date, May 2nd, 2019, anchors this design in history, marking the significance of that year’s march.
The reverse side of the coin tells a story of transformation—from the horrors of the Holocaust to the redemption of life in Israel. Encircled by a textured silver border with a custom numbering plate, the outer design features both the Jerusalem and Israel coat of arms, alongside the American flag, symbolizing unity between these nations. The text, “The People of Israel Live” and “Where there was once only death, the living march” serves as a powerful reminder of survival and hope. The alternating bands of blue and white, adorned with Stars of David, echo the colors of Israel’s flag and reflect the themes of redemption and continuity.
At the center of this side is a detailed silver etching of the city of Jerusalem, including the iconic Western Wall. Above, the sky is inscribed with the words “Jerusalem, Israel” in raised silver text, while the date is marked in both the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars: Iyar 5779 – May 2019. This dual marking ties the past to the present, reminding us of the enduring legacy of the Jewish people and their spiritual connection to Jerusalem.
Creating this coin was more than a design challenge. It was an true opportunity to create a tangible symbol of remembrance and hope. As designers, we often work with symbols of honor, but few carry the emotional gravity of this piece. Every element, from the reflective silver finish to the inscriptions of remembrance and resilience, was meticulously chosen to honor those who walked before us and those who continue to carry their legacy forward. This coin is not just about looking back; it’s about ensuring the story is never lost, about turning memory into action. It stands as a powerful reminder that where there was once darkness, there is now light, and where there was once silence, the living march on.
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