NEW JERSEY – Additional relatives of military members who died during active duty can now qualify for Gold Star identification cards under a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer (R-Ocean) and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Tuesday.
The legislation (A1455) allows Gold Star spouses, domestic partners or civil union partners and children to receive discounts and other military family courtesies.
“Our brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country leave behind more than their biological parents or legal guardians. This measure recognizes that other close relatives have strong family ties to the service member, and the loss of a loved one for these relatives is no less painful,” Dancer said. “Gold Star ID cards are a small token of appreciation for grieving military families.”
The Gold Star program dates back to World War I when military families would fly flags with blue stars for every immediate family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star.
County clerks or registers of deeds and mortgages are permitted to issue Gold Star Family identification cards with the proper documentation.
