ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding license plate options for veterans to include 10 new plates that specifically state the wartime or conflict period in which a veteran served.
The DMV will be offering license plates for veterans of World War II, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the Korean War, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, as well as Operation Earnest Will and the conflicts in Panama, Lebanon, and Grenada.
“Expanding the license plate options offered to veterans is a wonderful opportunity to honor their service,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Not only will it enable our state to recognize those who served during specific periods of war, but it will also serve as a consistent reminder that Connecticut is home to many thousands of veterans who have admirably served our nation."
U.S. Army Major Daniel Eddinger is commander of Torrington's Order of the Purple Heart and a Vietnam veteran. He said this is a fantastic way to honor veterans.
He explained that the state has a plate option for those who have received a Purple Heart but this expansion is an opportunity to recognize those who have spent time away from home and family to serve.
"We can actually widen [license plate options] open for those [who served] in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan. It's fantastic because they served in those particular combat areas. It's nice to have some recognition," he said.
U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran Ronald Catania said it's a commemorative gesture from the state.
Catania currently has a flag on his license plate that recognizes his service as a veteran, but he said he's sure he'll be applying to get the new plate.
"It will signify the war that I was in, in Vietnam--a tough war. And for every other veteran that's going to have a plate, it's going to signify the war that they were in. So, it's really an honor to have the plate," he said.
The plates are available for passenger, commercial, camper and camp trailer type vehicles, as well as combination vehicles. The plates cost $27.50.
Veterans can request a new plate by filling out the Special Plate Application Form on the DMV website under "Wartime Veteran Plate."
