BOSTON -- They were the first Massachusetts family to lose a loved one in Iraq, and for two years, Leo and Sue Boule have looked for a special way to honor their son.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported Friday that now, they've found it. Through their efforts, the state is now issuing Gold Star Family license plates.

Leo and Sue Boule proudly changed the license plates on their son's pickup truck at the statehouse. They are the first recipients of a Gold Star plate -- a practice started but abandoned in Texas during the Vietnam era. The Boules are hoping it will send a clear message to everyone in Massachusetts who sees it on the vehicles of those related to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in active combat.

"I just hope they remember that we've given our loved ones for the freedom of this country," Sue Boule said.

Since the death of Mathew Boule in April 2003, the Boules have shipped more than 6 tons of goods to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. They lobbied state government for these plates, which are now available to any parent, spouse and child of those killed in active combat.

"Family members can go in and present their documentation and receive one of the plates free of charge," Registry of Motor Vehicles spokeswoman Kim Hinden said.

"It is my hope that as we see these license plates, we will tip our hat, shake a hand, express our love and appreciation to those who have this license plate," Gov. Mitt Romney said.

"It's tough to lose a love one. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. It's been a tough couple of years," Leo Boule said.

It took the Boules more than two months to find their son's truck after he died. He had stored it in Georgia, sending his mother the key, but not the address.

"I didn't know there were so many Mr. Bob's Storage Centers down in Georgia. I think there was 132, but we tracked it down," Sue Boule said.