New Motorcycle License Plate Honoring Veterans
Unveiled
First motorcycle license plate in PA dedicated to
military veterans
Harrisburg –State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) joined veterans,
motorcyclists, state officials and other legislators yesterday to
unveil the first Pennsylvania motorcycle license plate for military
veterans.
Robbins sponsored the legislation creating the plate and worked
with legislative colleagues and Charlie Umbenhauer of the Alliance of
Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) to pass the measure in February.
"Several years ago, I was made aware that Pennsylvania had eleven
special veterans license plates for automobiles, but not one for
motorcycles. I agreed with Charlie Umbenhauer and members of ABATE
that veterans who ride motorcycles should be able to display their
past service to our country, just as they do with their automobile
plates," said Robbins, speaking at the unveiling at Soldier's Grove
outside the Capitol.
Also on hand were Kurt Myers, Director of PENNDOT's Bureau of Motor
Vehicles, and Brigadier General Cecil Hengeveld, Deputy Adjutant
General for Veterans Affairs in the Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs.
"I am proud to be a part of this ceremony benefiting the veterans
community as we unveil this new plate. I am pleased that we have been
able to work with PENNDOT to have input into the design of the
plates," said Robbins, a Vietnam War veteran. "My thanks also go to
ABATE for their advocacy on behalf of veterans, and most importantly
to veterans for their service to this great country."
The plate will have the word "VETERAN" listed at the bottom and the
letter "V" in the number sequence on the plate.
Attending the ceremony was Wayne Stratos, of Mercer County, who
will receive the first veterans motorcycle license plate. A six-year
Army veteran, Stratos served in Vietnam from 1969-1971. "Wayne founded
the Mercer County Vietnam Era Veterans Association and has been
actively involved in POW issues. It is my pleasure to recognize a
deserving veteran like Wayne with the first plate" said Robbins.
To be eligible for this plate, an individual must be an honorably
discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States, or a
reserve component of the armed forces.
Applications for the license plates are now available through
legislators' offices or via PENNDOT's home page at
www.dot.state.pa.us . The
plates cost $20.00 each and will be issued beginning in August.
Pictured with Senator Bob Robbins are Wayne Stratos (center), of
the Mercer County Vietnam Era Veterans Association and Charles
Umbenhauer (right), of A.B.A.T.E. of PA.
CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322
