ANNVILLE, PA — As the nation commemorates Women’s History Month this March, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to honor the state’s nearly 64,000 women veterans in a unique way: by purchasing an Honoring Our Women Veterans License Plate.
These special license plates are more than just symbolic gestures of support. Each plate costs $40, and $15 from each sale goes directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). The VTF uses these funds to issue grants to charitable organizations across the state, which in turn provide essential services to veterans in need. These services range from providing shelter to supplying essential goods.
“Purchasing one of these plates sends an important message that Pennsylvania appreciates everything women veterans have done in defense of our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA.
The Honoring Our Women Veterans license plates are available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. The DMVA also offers Honoring Our Veterans license plates for motorcycles, passenger cars, and trucks, each for $41, with $15 from each sale also going toward the VTF.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll voiced his department’s pride in the initiative, noting that the plates serve as a “constant reminder of the sacrifices made by women veterans in preserving our freedom.”
The significance of this program extends beyond simply raising funds. It’s a public acknowledgment of the vital role women have played in our military history, from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. It’s a way to raise awareness of the contributions and sacrifices of women veterans, whose service is often overlooked or underappreciated.
At the same time, the program provides crucial support for Pennsylvania’s more than 700,000 veterans. The funds raised through the sale of these license plates help to ensure that veterans across the state can access the services and support they need.
In a broader context, the program serves as a model for how states can both honor their veterans and provide tangible support for them. As more Pennsylvanians take to the roads with these distinctive plates on their vehicles, they’re not just driving — they’re making a statement about the value and importance of our women veterans.
This Women’s History Month, Pennsylvania drivers have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of veterans while honoring the legacy of women who have served. It’s a small gesture with significant impact, reminding us all that supporting our veterans is a responsibility we all share.
To learn more about how to purchase these plates and support the VTF, visit www.vtf.pa.gov.
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