MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi announced the launch of the Gold Star Parent ID Card Program, which will get an official kickoff at a ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 17, at Morris County’s Frelinghuysen Arboretum.
The Gold Star Parent ID Program recognizes Morris County parents, legal guardians or other legal custodians of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who perished while on active duty protecting our country.
The program provides Gold Star Parents with the ability to access certain benefits, such as discounts extended to military families.
Gold Star Parents can now take advantage of the Morris County Clerk’s existing “Operation Give Back Program,” said County Clerk Ann Grossi. Established in 2015, Operation Give Back is a merchant discount directory, with more than 275 local businesses offering discounts to veterans.
“The Gold Star Parent ID Card Program is a small way to honor and recognize the ultimate sacrifice that members of our armed forces have made to preserve our way of life,’’ said County Clerk Grossi. “We recognize their honorable service and offer our heartfelt thanks and respect to their parents. Morris County is proud of its veterans and this ceremony honors their memory by providing this special card to their parents.”
The Gold Star Parent ID Card is offered free of charge. It displays a gold banner with the words “Gold Star Parent,” a gold star insignia, includes the cardholder’s name and branch of the armed forces of the service member person who lost his or her life, plus other identifying information.
To receive a Gold Star Parent ID Card, applicants must provide either of the following:
- Certification from an organization formed for the support of parents of members of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives while on active duty, confirming that the applicant is a parent, legal guardian or legal custodian;
- The service member’s federal DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, which identifies the member of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty for the United States, plus documentation showing the applicant’s relationship to the service member.
County Clerk Grossi will welcome and honor Gold Star Parents and meet with participating “Operation Give Back” merchants and leaders of veteran groups, plus state legislators at Thursday’s event, which will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. County residents are invited to attend.
For more information, contact Maria May at mmay@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 285-8216.
You may also apply for the Gold Star Parent ID Card by visiting the Morris County Clerk’s Office, located on the first floor of the Morris County Administration and Records Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown, NJ 07963.
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