Military’s Fourth-Highest Individual Award Honors Acts of Heroism, Merit
(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats Sgt. Bruce Land, Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak, Wayne DeAngelo and Nicholas Chiaravalloti sponsored to create special license plates honoring recipients of the Bronze Star was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-3149) would authorize the chief administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special license plates to recipients of the Bronze Star upon request. The Bronze Star, the fourth-highest individual honor awarded by the United States Armed Forces, honors heroism or meritorious achievement in ground combat.
“Those who have put their lives on the line for the United States of America are some of the most honorable, most patriotic men and women in the country,” said Land (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. “They ought to have the opportunity to express their pride in having served this great nation via a special license plate.”
“The Bronze Star has been awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service since 1944,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded in Iraq and is the recipient of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. “This special license plate, while a more humble tribute, would provide another opportunity to pay homage to the valor displayed by these soldiers on the battlefield.”
“Our state has created special license plates to honor so many of the selfless individuals who made a commitment to keep America safe and free,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Bronze Star recipients ought to be included on that distinguished list as well.”
“The Bronze Star is earned by only the best and bravest people who proved their dedication to this country. They rightfully take pride in the honor,” said Chiaravalloti (D-Hudson). “Special plates would serve as a reminder of their heroism and give them a new means of displaying their love of country.”
The license plates authorized by the bill would bear a design approved by the chief administrator identifying the registrant as a recipient of the Bronze Star, in addition to other markings or identification otherwise prescribed by law. The license plate would be available to recipients of the decoration upon payment of a one-time $15 fee.
Current law provides for the issuance of special plates to recipients of the Silver Star, a United States military decoration awarded for gallantry in action, as well as a Gold Star, a United States military decoration awarded to families who make the ultimate sacrifice.
The bill was released by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.