New Plate Enables Family Members to Honor Their Loved Ones’ Service and Sacrifice
New Plate Joins Long-Available Gold Star Mothers Plate and Others Honoring Veterans
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today proudly unveiled its new Gold Star Family license plate that enables parents, siblings and other relatives to honor their late relatives’ service and sacrifice. This plate complements the Gold Star Mothers plate that the State also offers. Qualifying family members can order the new Gold Star Family plate today on the DMV website.
“We are deeply proud to be able to offer this plate, and we are grateful to all the family members and elected officials who worked to make this day happen,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “We offer many plates that honor veterans and their service, but this is a long overdue addition that we are glad is now finally here.”
Among those who worked hardest to see the plate come to fruition is Adam DeMarsico, who sought to honor his brother. Army Specialist Michael DeMarsico was killed in Afghanistan in 2012 by an improvised explosive device. Adam previously lived in Massachusetts and had a Gold Star Family plate there. When he came to New York, he wanted to get one here, but it was not yet available. DeMarsico worked hard to change that and today, was presented the first Gold Star Family plate in recognition of his efforts.
“Gold Star Families carry a weight that never fully lifts,” Adam DeMarsico said. “By establishing these license plates, New York is making a simple, powerful promise: that the lives of our fallen heroes matter, and that their families will always be recognized, honored, and supported.”
The Gold Star Mothers organization also worked tirelessly to create the new plate.
Carrie Farley, proud mother of SSG Derek J. Farley and President of the Albany Chapter of Gold Star Mothers, said, “The Department of New York, American Gold Star Mothers are pleased to have the Gold Star Family license plate released. This allows qualified family members whose relatives lost their life in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America to honor and remember them.”
Also instrumental in the effort were State Senators Jake Ashby, Joseph Griffo and Pete Harckham and Assembly member John McDonald.
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said: “Today is about honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of Gold Star families, whose courage and resilience deserve our lasting recognition. I was proud to work alongside Senator Jake Ashby, the New York State DMV, Gold Star Families, and The American Gold Star Mothers on this initiative, and I am honored to be part of this historic event as New York State issues its first Gold Star Family license plate. This plate serves as a visible reminder of the families who carry the legacy of our fallen service members every day.”
Senator Jake Ashby said, “Gold Star Families take the memories of their fallen loved ones with them wherever they go. This is about commemorating those reflections in a special, tangible way. It's a beautiful tribute. It means a lot. I'm grateful for the New York Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers for their diligent work and steadfast dedication to propel this worthy endeavor. I'm very impressed with the design my talented constituent, Adam DeMarsico, rendered in memory of his brother. And this wouldn't have happened without the efforts of Assemblymember John McDonald and the team at DMV.”
Senator Joseph Griffo said, “I am pleased the New York State DMV has announced the availability of Gold Star Family license plates. It was an honor to have carried legislation allowing for these license plates for several years, and I am grateful that the DMV is taking action to recognize the brave men and women who have died protecting our freedom and their families.”
Senator Pete Harckham said, “I join residents, veterans and their families in offering appreciation to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for making the Gold Star Family license plate a reality. This memorial recognizes and honors the sacrifices all Gold Star Families have undertaken when their brave military sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Let us always remember the deep loss and inspiring strength of our Gold Star Families.”
In addition to plates commemorating each of the branches of the military, New Yorkers can also get plates that reflect being part of the Reserve of any of those branches, membership in the National Guard or organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars or that they are a veteran of a specific conflict like the Korean War, Vietnam or the War on Terror. Information on veterans plates can be found on the DMV website.
For more information about DMV, visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website, or follow the conversation online on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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