New 'Gold Star Family' License Plates Unrelieved By The DMV In New York

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles unveiled its new Gold Star Family license plate that lets parents, siblings and other relatives to honor their loved-one's sacrifice.

This plate is separate from the "Gold Star Mothers" plate that the State already offers. Qualifying family members can order the new Gold Star Family plate 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,” DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. “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 IED. 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 available.

"Gold Star Families carry a weight that never fully lifts," 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 help make the new plate a reality.

"The Department of New York, American Gold Star Mothers are pleased to have the Gold Star Family license plate released," Carrie Farley, mother of SSG Derek J. Farley and President of the Albany Chapter of Gold Star Mothers, said. "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."

Loved-ones must submit official documentation proving a family member died while serving and proof of relation.

"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," Senator Pete Harckham said, "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 NYS DMV website.