County Clerk Issuing Free Gold Star ID Cards To Military Parents

As the nation is preparing to recognize the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, the Burlington County Clerk’s Office is doing its part to honor military members who passed away while serving in the country’s armed forces.

Special Gold Star Parent identification cards will now be available to any mother or father who lost a child serving on active duty for free, Burlington County Clerk Tim Tyler announced on Thursday.

“The Burlington County community is fortunate to be home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and so many military personnel and veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our great country,” Tyler said. “I am so pleased to begin offering Gold Star Parent identification cards; it’s one small way my office can recognize and honor the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

A new state law enacted in January allows county clerks to issue the card, which provides access to discounts or other courtesies extended to military families. This includes free or reduced admission to New Jersey beaches, state parks and forests, and the New Jersey State Museum.

The identification cards display the title “Gold Star Parent,” the branch of armed forces in which their son or daughter served, and other personal identifying information as provided by the applicant. A “Gold Star Parent” means a biological parent, legal guardian or other legal custodian of a member of the armed forces who died while on active duty for the United States.

To apply for the card, Burlington County residents will simply need to bring the service member’s report of casualty form, DD 1300, to the Clerk’s Office in Mount Holly.

“There aren’t enough ways we can say thank you to the service members who gave their lives for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today,” Tyler said. “I’m happy to help parents access a few extra accommodations as they carry on the proud legacy of their son or daughter.”

The Burlington County Clerk’s Office also records veterans discharge paperwork and provides a certified copy at no cost.

Earlier this year, Burlington County engaged in a public information campaign to remind veterans that they are eligible for a new $3,000 exemption when filing their New Jersey income tax forms.

In order to receive the exemption, the NJ Division of Taxation must have a copy of the veteran’s discharge paperwork.

The Burlington County Clerk’s office in Mount Holly is located at 50 Rancocas Road and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 609- 265-5122.

Image via Shutterstock