Private ownership of MVs under assault

Greetings,

Within the hobby of collecting militaria, we are often faced with government attempts at the local, state and federal levels to regulate some aspect. Generally, these attempts are not aimed directly at collectors, but we are caught in the line of fire. This has been the case with the Stolen Valor Act (which, by the way, is still on the books as a law), regulation of firearms and destructive devices and historic military vehicles.

Government regulation has reared its head in Wisconsin to discourage the titling of historic military vehicles. Several military vehicle clubs in Wisconsin have banded together and organized a very thought-out, calm attempt to use the system to defeat the process. The groups have employed lawyers and have designated individuals to represent their fight at the state level. This concerted effort produced a bill to introduce to the Transportation Committee of which is being labeled the “Zigmunt Bill” (Representative Ted Zigmunt is sponsoring it) though it is officially designated Bill LRB3284/4 “Registration of Historic Military Vehicles”.

Just last week, the call to all Wisconsinites was issued to contact their representatives to support the Bill LRB3284/4. The period of co-sponsorship lasts only until November 12 in which enough public interest must be shown to gain an introduction to the Transportation Committee and scheduled for a public hearing.

So, if you are currently a Wisconsin resident, contact your representative immediately and request that they lend their support to BILL LRB3284/4 “Registration of Historic Military Vehicles”. A copy of the draft is posted. CLICK HERE to view, along with background information.

Though this is of vital importance to Wisconsin HMV owners, this is a case the rest of the nation will want to follow. The same scenario has played out in several states and probably will in several more over the next few years. Having participated in this process a number of times, I have to emphasize how important it is to approach the situation calmly, professionally and patiently.

If you are faced with a similar situation in your state, contact the Military Vehicles Preservation Association’s office before you do anything else. They have people monitoring legislation pertinent to HMV owners at the state and national level. If you aren’t an MVPA member, join immediately. The more members, the stronger the voice (just look how numbers have helped the NRA in preserving the right to bear arms!). Log onto the MVPA’s site at www.mvpa.org for membership information. Let’s keep the historic military vehicles rolling!

Remember the Armistice, Honor our Vets.
Official recognition of the end of World War I was made in a concurrent resolution (44 Stat. 1982) enacted by Congress on June 4, 1926. An Act approved on May 13, 1938, declared that the 11th of November in each year be celebrated as a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” In 1954, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations after WWII, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in lieu thereof the word “Veterans.” This November 11, remember those who have served. Bow your head for those who perished in the service of our Nation’s military.

John Adams-Graf
Editor, Military Trader and Military Vehicles Magazine