Bradley Beach Mom Fights to Protect Her Soldier Son’s Name
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Sue Sullivan of Bradley Beach is supporting legislation that would make it illegal to use the name of a soldier killed in battle for commercial or political purposes.
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
New legislation may soon make it illegal for anyone to use the name or likeness of soldiers killed in battle for either commercial or political purposes without the permission of family members.
At a press conference Tuesday at the American Legion in Spring Lake, Assemblyman Sean Kean said when he learned that there was a website selling merchandise with the names of fallen soldiers without permission, he decided to do something.
Sue Sullivan of Bradley Beach first brought the issue to Kean’s attention. She was one of three Gold Star mothers, those who have lost a child on the battlefield, at the meeting.
Kean said individuals are trying to capitalize on the likeness or name of those who died in the war and benefit either financially or politically.
“I say no, they can’t do that,” said Kean. “It’s very alarming and troubling.”
Two other states have already passed legislation banning the sale of the material, but Kean said it’s his goal to see a federal law passed.
Kean said with Internet sales, there are no state boundaries on the sale of merchandise.
“Jurisdiction is a problem,” he said.
Kean said he was trying to get the message out through the media, to garner support from individuals or organizations for a federal bill.
“We want to get people talking about this,” he said. “And get it on the president’s desk.”
Kean said it was not a matter of partisan politics, but just “common sense.”
Sulivans son Vincent was killed in Iraq July 23, 2004 five and a half months after his wedding.
Vincent Sullivan decided to enlist in the Marines the day after 9/11.
“Vincent believed that he belonged in the Marines and the Marines belonged in Iraq, and that he was doing the job he was meant to do. He believed it was the right thing to do,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan said she learned in the fall that her son’s name, along with others who died in the war, was printed on a T-shirt opposing President Bush and the war.
“I was devastated then appalled,” she said.
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