MIDDLESEX COUNTY – Gold Star identification cards are now available to the spouses, domestic partners, civil union partners and children of military members who died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
This includes children to whom the service member was a parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether related by blood or by law, according to a press release through Middlesex County on Aug. 31.
Previously, Gold Star identification (ID) cards were available only to parents, legal guardians, and legal custodians.
The new law, which Gov. Phil Murphy signed in late June, recognizes the close relationship and sacrifices of other immediate family members who lost a loved one in service to the nation. The legislation was co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, who represents the 19th Legislative District which includes Middlesex County.
Gold Star Family ID cards enable eligible family members to receive certain discounts or other courtesies extended to military families. This includes free admission to state parks and forests, free or reduced-price admission to New Jersey beaches, and free admission to the New Jersey State Museum. Additionally, a Gold Star Family identification card may be presented to participating merchants/vendors for discounts offered to veterans and Gold Star families, according to the press release.
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the members of our armed forces who defend our freedom – especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said.
“We can honor their sacrifice not only by remembering them every day, but by honoring the loved ones they left behind and recognizing the sacrifice those family members – including their spouses, partners, and children – have made as well. The Gold Star family ID card program does just that.”
Middlesex County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin said the expansion of the Gold Star Family identification cards is a “small way we can show our appreciation for everything they gave to our country.”
“The Office of the County Clerk stands ready to assist every eligible Gold Star family member in Middlesex County in obtaining their Gold Star Family ID card.”
Applying for a Gold Star Family ID card
Middlesex County residents whose child, spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, parent, or other legal guardian died while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are encouraged to apply for a Gold Star Family ID card.
Gold Star Family ID cards may be requested at the Middlesex County Office of the County Clerk, where the Clerk and the register of deeds and mortgages are permitted to issue the cards. Applications must be made in person with the proper documentation, including:
- Valid documentation indicating the applicant’s relationship to the service member.
- A certificate from an organization formed for the support of parents of members of the armed forces who lost their lives while on active duty for the U.S.
- The service member’s federal DD-1300 “Report of Casualty” form, or its succeeding form which identified the member of the armed forces who lost their lives while on active duty for the U.S.
For additional information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov