AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci thanked more than 400 state employees today for their more than 25 years of service at a civic center luncheon, according to his office.

"You all do a great job. You are a valued group of people," Baldacci said in a statement. "You should be proud of the work that you are doing and the years of service you have given."

The honorees included 121 employees with 25 years of service, 225 employees with 30 years of service, 69 employees with 35 years of service, 23 employees with 40 years of service, and one employee with 50 years of service.