Extending an honor to more family members of soldiers who lost their lives while serving, legislation allowing counties to issue identification cards to family members other than the Gold Star Parents of a deceased military member passed the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday. Bill sponsors Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) and Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex) released the following joint statement:
“When a soldier dies in the line of duty, spouses, partners, children, siblings and other family members are all impacted by that loss.
“It’s important we honor their relationship to a person who gave their life in the name of service to this country. Their love for that soldier is just as real and valid as that of a Gold Star Parent.
“Anyone who lost their family member to war deserves the same courtesies extended to military parents. Issuing this ID card is one way our state can ensure those small benefits while acknowledging the sacrifice these family members have made.”