Posted By:
Catherine Moy
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It seems like an easy thing for folks who are way above the pay-grade of normal Californians. But the bureacrats and the so-called leaders of the state Legislature can’t seem to drag their butts out of the fancy restaurants and loblyist luncheons to pass legislation honoring families whose loved ones have given their lives for America.

My friend, Mike Anderson, a Gold Star father, is trying to get legislation passed would allow Gold Star families to buy special license plates honoring their sacrifices and the lives of their loved ones.

What’s the hold up?? Let’s put pressure on these folks who seem to spend all day looking for ways to raise our taxes and ignoring a simple gesture of honor to these families. Makes me think they don’t support our families.

Here’s Mike’s message:

Time Sensitive

Please Distribute Far and Wide

April 2, 2008

Once again, we are supporting the “California Gold Star Family License Plate” Bill, SB 1455 (Cogdill / Denham), and we need everyone’s help. As most of you may be aware, SB287 was killed earlier this year in the Senate Transportation Committee. We are back! Senate Bill 1455 would amend the existing vehicle code to allow family members related to a person killed in active duty, in any war to apply for special license plates.

This new bill was just introduced April 2nd, 2008, but a hearing date has not been set by the Senate Transpiration Committee.  Our voices must be heard!!  Please write a brief letter of support to the Senators listed below indicating your support with the following message:

(just as you see it here)

Senator Dave Cogdill

Senator Jeff Denham

SB1455

1308 West Main St Ste C

Ripon, Ca 95366

“I support SB 1455, the California Gold Star License Plate Bill”

(Please include your name, address, city and state of residence).

Please do not wait; these letters need to be in immediately!!

This Bill will afford recognition to the families that have lost a loved one who bravely served in our United States Military, and sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. These are known as “Gold Star Families”. The proposal is that a special California State Vehicle License Plate be available, in numbered sequence, for the families that have paid a premium sacrifice due to war – both past and present. The Fiscal Impact is very little, if any, due to applicable fees being collected at time of application. 

This recognition plate will bear “Gold Star Families” across the bottom, and “California” across the top, with a large gold star on the left side of the plate, and the four digit - numerical identification running left to right next to the Gold Star. The Gold Star dates back to the early days of World War I. The idea was that the Honor and Glory accorded the person for his supreme sacrifice in offering for his country, the last full measure of devotion and pride of the family in this sacrifice.

In California, we have several Environmental, Vanity, and Arts License Plates to choose from, including personalized. This would be a special recognition plate that specifically identifies the holder as a Gold Star Family member. We are proud of our son’s, daughters, wife’s, husbands, etc., that unselfishly gave of themselves in service to our country. This will help identify the grieving families left behind.  I speak from experience, as my only son, and first born, lost his 21 year old life in Fallujah, Iraq, on a cold December day in 2004. He was a Corporal in The United States Marine Corps.

The State of California is leading our nation’s state by state military loss, with a casualty rate of over 10%. Several states (14 to date) already have this type of plate available for their residents that have suffered a tragic loss due to hostilities abroad. California has always been a “trendsetting” state; we are falling behind on this acknowledgement of gratitude. We have tried to capture the contemporary spirit of our losses, all while trying to remain upbeat & positive about something so painful to us. We are Gold Star Families, NOT by choice.  This would be a permanent reminder on our states roadways that we, the unfortunate bearers have, and are still paying a Premium Sacrifice – due to our loved ones paying the Ultimate Sacrifice. The provisions in this proposal specifically identify family member eligibility.

Awareness is a key factor in support of this proposal. Please mail a brief letter of support today, and voice your support.

Respectfully,

Michael D. Anderson Sr.

Proud Father of The Late Cpl Michael D. Anderson Jr. USMC

Killed In Combat Action, Dec 14, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq “Battle For Fallujah”

www.cplandersonjr.org

mikesr@cagoldstarfamilies.org