'Gold Star' plates about to hit Minn. roadways

The families of fallen Minnesota soldiers will soon have a special license plate to display on their vehicles.

The Minnesota Gold Star License Plate will be available Oct. 1 to any surviving spouse or parent of a soldier who died while serving honorably in active service. State lawmakers passed legislation to authorize the tribute earlier this year.

During a State Capitol ceremony, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said words and symbols are important but often inadequate. He said he wants Minnesota to be the most veteran-friendly and military-friendly state in the country.

"As the needs of the members of the military and their families continue to evolve, we need to make sure our laws and procedures and policies evolve and improve as well," Pawlenty said.

The cost of producing the plates will be paid for out of the "Support Our Troops" license plate account. That is fed by an extra charge people pay to have that slogan on their vehicle's plates.

There are now more than 40 states offering Gold Star license plates.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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