Pappageorge promotes special plate

As Featured in the Observer & Eccentric on 7/4/2010:

Sen. John Pappageorge's measure to create a license plate honoring families across Michigan who lost a loved one in combat was approved Tuesday by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 749 would establish the “Gold Star Family” specialty license plate. The measure would allow a spouse, parent, sibling or child of a member of the armed services who died during combat to qualify for the special plate.

“Gold Star license plates have been referred to as a ‘moving memorial' by family members who support such legislation,” said Pappageorge, a Republican from Troy an a retired U.S. Army colonel and veteran of two tours in Vietnam.

If approved, the license plate would be inscribed with a gold star and the words “Gold Star Family.”

“Without mothers, there's no military,” said Joyce Fabian, a member of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. and Warren resident. “The Gold Star Family plate will allow the family members of fallen heroes to honor their loved ones.”

Eligible individuals who choose the specialty plate would pay a $5 fee in addition to the standard registration fee.

Michigan law currently allows for issuance of specialty license plates for prisoners of war, World War II veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors and Purple Heart medal recipients.

Pappageorge's legislation is modeled after 45 states that have some form of a Gold Star Family or Fallen Warrior license plate to honor families who lost a loved one in combat.

“Being able to honor the memory of their loved one with a special license plate would mean a great deal to the family members of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Pappageorge said. “I hope my colleagues approve this measure.”

SB 749 now goes to the full Senate for further consideration.