Resolution in support of a Arizona Gold Star Automobile License Plate

Submitted by:
Arizona Democratic Veterans Caucus,
Jeff Latas, Chair

WHEREAS, the United States of America has honored the families of fallen military members with the Gold Star since 1918

WHEREAS, the state of Arizona has at least 39 automobile license plates to include the Pearl Harbor Survivor and Families of Fallen Police Officers plates, none honor the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. armed forces

WHEREAS, at least sixteen other states have Gold Star automobile license plates honoring those who have lost an immediate family member in the service of our country

WHEREAS, the automobile has become a the most public display of our personal identity

WHEREAS, many of our citizens have no known personal contact with those who defend our liberty and do not realize that family members of these patriots are in every town and city of our society

WHEREAS, the Gold Star would be see by many motorist and be a constant reminder that our freedom should not be taken for granted

WHEREAS, The State of Arizona does honor our fallen veterans and military personnel, the state does not recognize this national symbol of the Gold Star in its charity towards the survivors of service members

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Arizona Democratic Party urges the Arizona Legislature and the Governor to honor the immediate family members, as defined on the DD Form 3, of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines with a specially designed automobile license plate with the symbolic Gold Star proudly displayed as a reminder to all that our liberty, our freedom, our way of life continues because of the bravery and dedication of those men and women whose lives were ended while serving our country.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this legislation be added to the 2008 agenda in both the Arizona House and the Arizona Senate

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our legislators be encouraged to pass this legislation by the end of the 2008 Legislative session.