Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) Secretary Roger Brautigan and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director George Valverde to present the first three Gold Star Family License Plates to the families of three men killed in the line of duty.
“The Gold Star Family License Plate is a reminder to all of us of those who have lost their lives while defending ours, and of their families who face each day without their loved ones,†said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I am grateful to all who made this license plate possible, and may we never forget the courage, bravery and sacrifice of those in the Armed Forces.â€
The Governor presented the first three Gold Star Family License Plates to Mike Anderson, whose son Mike Anderson Jr. was killed in Iraq on December 14, 2004; Kevin and Leianne Graves, whose son Joey Graves was killed in Iraq on July 25, 2006; and to Dianne Layfield, whose son Travis Layfield was killed in Iraq on April 6, 2004.
“This is a recognition that is worthy of our efforts and is a small token for the families who have given so much to protect our nation our freedom,†said Secretary Brautigan. “I am honored to have played a small part in this process.â€
“The Gold Star Family License Plate is an honor to those families whose family members paid the ultimate sacrifice,†said DMV Director George Valverde. “The California DMV is proud to join with the Department of Veterans Affairs in making this recognition possible for thousands of families throughout California.â€
For more information on this and other programs administered by the California Department of Veterans Affairs, see www.cdva.ca.gov
