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Moore, colleagues recognize Iraq/Afghanistan troops service with license plate decal |
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February 9, 2005 - Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) announced today that he and over 50 of his legislative colleagues are sponsoring legislation that will lead to the issuance of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom decals for Veterans’ license plates. “It’s fitting that we distinguish and honor the dedicated service that these men and women selflessly devoted for our Country and our Commonwealth,” Moore said. “These decals will be a visible tribute and a deserving recognition of their service and sacrifice.” The legislation was drafted after Moore’s colleague, Senator Scott Brown (R-Wrentham) received an e-mail from a constituent, North Attleborough veteran Paul Couturier. “If we can honor those who participated in campaigns in Panama, Grenada and the Persian Gulf with a Wartime Service Decal for the Veterans license plates, then shouldn’t a similar Wartime Service Decal for Operation Iraqi Freedom be made available?” Couturier asked in his email. Over 50 lawmakers from across the State have joined with Senators Moore and Brown and Representative Ed Connolly (D-Everett) in pushing for this measure. The bill sets up a commission consisting of 11 members, including the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, the Secretary of Veteran’s Services, three members of the House of Representatives, three members of the Senate, and two Veteran’s Agents appointed by the Governor. The commission will be required to report back to the Legislature with a decal design and implementation plans by December 31, 2005. “We must recognize the service and the sacrifices of the men and women of Massachusetts in the midst of this new war,” Brown said. “It is hard to say when these conflicts will conclude, but now is the time to begin to recognize these brave individuals.” “It is important to acknowledge the contributions of all our veterans--the current conflict included,” Connolly said. “It is imperative that as Americans, we never forget to recognize the value of our service men and women.” Service members taking part in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are eligible for Veteran status under Massachusetts’ definition of a Persian Gulf Veteran, which includes those serving from August 2nd 1990 until present. An end date has not yet been placed on the conflict, allowing these new veterans to qualify under the old definition. Official decals for WWI, WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans are currently available to qualified veterans, as are decals for other major engagements, such as Grenada. The decal modifies the veterans’ plate, available via special order through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The RMV provides the decals to allow veterans to specialize the general Veterans plate to reflect their tour of duty. |
