KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Nevada Gold Star Plates Issued to Families of War Dead
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The first Gold Star license plates issued in Nevada were presented by Gov. Jim Gibbons to families of fallen soldiers. The plates, authorized by the 2009 Legislature, have a single gold star and are coded "FV" for "Fallen Veteran." At a ceremony Monday in Carson City, Gibbons presented the first plate to Roger Varela of Fernley. Varela is founder of the Gold Star Families of Northern Nevada. His son, Ray, was killed near Baghdad on May 19, 2007. "They died for their country, for their flag. And it was not just for Nevada, it was for the whole country. But it's just an honor to have it especially number one." The second license plate was issued to Sally Wiley of Gardnerville. Her son, Sean Diamond, was killed Feb. 15 in Iraq. "When this hole is in your heart, you have to replace it with something and honoring not only your son, but all of those who have served. It's the best I can think to do that." In all, 12 plates were issued Monday. The $1 plates are available to survivors of service members killed in the line of duty. Nevada joins more than 40 other states that have special plates honoring fallen soldiers. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
