Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Raymond P. Martinez recently unveiled the state's newest customized license plate honoring Long Island native and the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt and his home town of Oyster Bay. The plate "USS TR" is an enlarged replica of a plate presented to the captain and crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, currently fighting the war on terrorism in Afghanistan.

The new multicolor license plates feature a picture of President Roosevelt with the initials TR on the left side followed by up to six numbers or letters. Roosevelt's home town 'Oyster Bay' is printed on the bottom.

This commemorative license plate is a great way to honor President Roosevelt, a prominent person in Long Island history," Fuschillo said. "It's timely release is also a unique way for New York State residents to thank the captain and crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt who are currently defending our nation in the war on terrorism."

"Roosevelt's achievements as president, governor of New York, New York City police commissioner, Rough Rider, winner of both the Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize, conservationist, champion of the 'strenuous life' and the 'sure deal' have made him an American icon," Martinez said. "The captain and crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and all of our men and women in uniform, continue America's fight to uphold the ideals to which Theodore Roosevelt subscribed."

President Roosevelt was the 26th president of the United States and lived, worked and raised his family at Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay. His residence has become known as the "summer White House" and is now a National Historic Site. Roosevelt was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, for his valor in Cuba during the Spanish-American War of 1898.

According to Fuschillo, a Theodore Roosevelt commemorative license plate may be ordered at any DMV issuing office, online at www.nysdmv.com, or by calling 1-800-364-PLATES. Additional information is also available at www.theodoreroosevelt.org.