Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Sen. John Pappageorge of Troy presented two moms who lost their sons in U.S. military service with the first two Gold Star Family license plates on July 6. The ceremony took place at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, where the plates are made. Pictured (l to r) are Valerie May of Midland, Sen. Pappageorge, Carol Johnson of Howell and Secretary Johnson.
ADRIAN (AP) -- Families of military members who died in combat are now able to purchase a special Michigan license plate.
Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, military family members and others on Wednesday marked the start of production of Gold Star Family license plates at the Gus Harrison Correction Facility in Adrian.
Governor Rick Snyder signed the bill authorizing the plate in May. The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. John Pappageorge of Troy, who served 30 years in the military.
A spouse, parent, sibling or child of a fallen combat veteran is eligible to purchase the plate. Each will be inscribed with an exact replica of the original flags flown by Gold Star families during World War II.
The plate will cost five dollars in addition to normal vehicle registration fees.
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