The "Operation Recognition" program has been available to World War I and II veterans since 2002. Some 2,100 service men and women have taken advantage of it.
And Gov. Chris Christie on Monday signed a law to expand it to include those who served in the two later wars.
The measure was among three related bills the governor signed Monday during a ceremony attended by dozens of veterans.
A second measure creates a ribbon to recognize honor guard members and civilian buglers who have served in at least 30 funerals for deceased veterans.
Christie presented ribbons to the first 17 recipients, all honor guard members.
A third law changes the composition of the state's Veterans Services Council with the idea of invigorating its membership. The council will be increased from nine to 12 members, with at least two being women. The council develops policies for coordinating services that benefit veterans and their dependents.
Another law previously signed and announced Monday designates a section of Route 47 in Gloucester County as the South Jersey Vietnam Veterans Highway.
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"These bills are just a small token of our gratitude and appreciation for everything they have done for our country," Christie said.
