JULY 6, 2011

Secretary Johnson, Sen. Pappageorge & Gold Star moms
visit Adrian prison where plate is made to see first plates produced

Joined by two Gold Star mothers, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Sen. John Pappageorge marked the first production of the Gold Star Family license plates at the Gus Harrison Correction Facility in Adrian.

At the facility, Johnson presented the first Gold Star Family plates produced to Valerie May, of Midland, whose son, U.S. Army Cpl. Rollie M. Northhouse, was killed in Vietnam in 1968, and Carol Johnson, of Howell, whose son, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gregory McCoy, was killed in Iraq in 2006. They both selected personalized Gold Star Family plates to commemorate their sons.

"I don't think there is a better reminder than Mrs. May and Mrs. Johnson that freedom isn't free," said Johnson. "This week, when we celebrate our freedom on the Fourth of July, seems especially appropriate to launch the Gold Star plates so we can honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and their families."

Johnson supported the Gold Star plate legislation, sponsored by Sen. Pappageorge, R-Troy, and Rep. Robert Genetski, R-Saugatuck. Pappageorge, a highly decorated veteran who retired with the rank of colonel, served 30 years active duty in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam.

"This plate serves as a symbol of the sacrifice these American heroes have made," Pappageorge said. "I'm thankful that the state of Michigan is now recognizing their great sacrifice."

The use of gold stars to denote families who have lost sons and daughters in military service dates back to World War II. Families with sons and daughters in the military hung flags in their windows, with each blue star denoting a family member serving in the military and each gold star denoting a family member who had died.

"My new Gold Star Family plate will hold a special place in my heart like no other plate I've had before," May said. "I thank Secretary Johnson, Senator Pappageorge and others for allowing me to see the creation of the first few Gold Star Family plates here today."

Johnson, who toured the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility, thanked the prisoners for their hard work producing all of the state's license plates -- about 1.5 million license plates every year.

Like other military and veteran plates, Gold Star Family plates cost $5 in addition to the vehicles standard registration fee.

For more information about license plates or office locations and services, visit the Secretary of State website (www.Michigan.gov/sos) or sign up for the official Secretary of State Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/Michsos) or Facebook updates (www.facebook.com/Michigansos).

Customers also may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424).

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For media questions, please call Tracy Ward at (517) 373-2520.

Related Links
> Facility in Adrian Photo 1
> Facility in Adrian Photo 2
> More information on Gold Star Family Plates
> Application for Gold Star Family Plate