Ocean County offering Gold Star I-D cards to parents of fallen military members

Identification cards that will honor the parents of military service men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice on active duty will now be given out by the Ocean County Clerks Office.

This special card was established earlier this year after now former Governor Chris Christie signed legislation creating it.

The “Gold Star Parent” recognizes a parent, legal guardian or other legal custodian of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who died while on active duty for the United States.

“The Gold Star Parent ID card opens up opportunities for a parent or guardian allowing them to access courtesies like discounts extended to military families,” Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella said.

This kind of I-D card can be issued to any Gold Star Parent who is a resident of Ocean County.

“Ocean County is proud of its veterans and we honor the memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Veterans Service Bureau said. “The Gold Star Parents deserve our appreciation and recognition.  The addition of the Gold Star Parent Identification Program is a small way to honor the loved ones of those who have lost their lives protecting our country,"

The Gold Star Parents identification card displays the words “Gold Star Parent,” bears the true name and branch of the armed forces in which the person who lost his or her life while on active duty served as well as any other identifying information as certified by the applicant.

“In addition to the veteran identification cards offered by the County Clerk, this program allows for family members of veterans to be recognized,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Clerk’s office.

Applicants need to show any or all of the following:

• Certification 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 United States.

• 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 and or documentation indicating the applicant’s relationship to the service member.

To learn more about the program, visit the Office of the Ocean County Clerk at 118 Washington Street or call (732) 929-2018.

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