Johnson attends bill signing for Gold Star license plate legislation
New plates, which honor fallen heroes & their families, to be available after July 4
MAY 26, 2011
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson looked on today as Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation that will allow the sale of Gold Star license plates to the families of military personnel killed while serving on active duty.
"I don't know if any of us can understand the loss and sacrifice of these Gold Star families," said Johnson, who also attended the Michigan Senate's solemn, annual Memorial Day service Thursday. "It is our hope these license plates, in some small way, will help them honor their loved ones."
The new plates will be released just after the July 4 holiday - a fitting time for their release, said Johnson. Thursday's bill-signing ceremony was attended by many Gold Star families including Valerie May, of Midland, whose son, Cpl. Rollie M. Northhouse, was killed in Vietnam in 1968.
May said she would be purchasing a Gold Star plate to honor her son and was pleased the license plate, discussed for so many years, had finally come to pass. "I'm so excited, I may be in line July 3rd!" May said.
Johnson had been a strong proponent of the Gold Star plate legislation, sponsored by Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy) and Rep. Robert Genetski (R-Saugatuck).
Pappageorge, a highly decorated veteran who retired with the rank of colonel, served 30 years active duty in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam.
"The family and friends of our fallen heroes are the ones who have to face each day without their loved one," said Pappageorge. "This plate serves as a symbol of the sacrifice they have made and reminds us all that freedom is not free."
Genetski said: "I am thankful that our Gold Star families, just in time for Memorial Day, will know that Michigan is ready to recognize their great sacrifice."
The use of gold stars to denote families who have lost sons and daughters in military service dates back to [World War I]. Families hung flags in their windows, with each blue star denoting a family member serving in the military and each gold star denoting a family member who had died.
Johnson also announced this week another new option for veterans who want to show their service to their country in a more meaningful way. Beginning the Tuesday after Memorial Day, veterans will be able to purchase automobile plates that feature the actual insignia, in color, of their military service branch. Those plates will feature the official seals of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and National Guard - instead of just the printed name of the [military service].
"This is one more small thing we can do to honor veterans who have worked so hard, endured so much and sacrificed for their country," Johnson said. "We are very grateful to all our military members."
Legislation that would allow the Secretary of State's Office, for the very first time, to offer service branch motorcycle plates for veterans is being considered in the Legislature and is supported by Johnson. She said she is hopeful that legislation will pass so motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy the plates while riding this summer.
Michigan offers veterans more than 20 distinct plates that highlight their service in the military, and in individual wars and conflicts such as World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Somalia conflict. The department also allows people to personalize their veteran plates.
More than 75,000 veteran plates are in circulation.
