CORRECTED COPY
A Joint Resolution designating April 14 of each year as “Military Child Appreciation Day” in NJ and amending P.L. 2022, J.R.3.
Whereas, Members of the American military serve with honor and distinction in defense of the freedoms and values which American men and women enjoy every day; and
Whereas, Members of the American military share many of the burdens that accompany military service with their family; and
Whereas, According to the Military Child Education Coalition, there are approximately two million United States military children under the age of 18, 1.1 million of whom are school-aged; and
Whereas, Many military children have known only war since September 11, 2001, including those military children whose parents made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives in the defense of the United States; and
Whereas, Military children often have to adapt their lives to the requirements of their parent’s military obligations, and shoulder responsibilities beyond their years; and
Whereas, In 1986, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger established the month of April as the United States Department of Defense’s “Month of the Military Child” in an effort to increase public knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding children who have a parent in the military; and
Whereas, Since 1986, there have been an increasing number of awareness campaigns aimed at recognizing the needs of military children in all areas, such as coping with the deployment of a parent to war zones; and
Whereas, Every April, the United States military services and communities around the world recognize military children for their daily sacrifices and the challenges they must overcome; and
Whereas, New Jersey has recognized the sacrifices of military children by joining the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to remove barriers to educational success imposed on the children of military families due to the frequent moves and deployment of a parent; and
Whereas, In April 2022, New Jersey recognized April as “Military Child Appreciation Month” and the last week of April as “Military Child Appreciation Week”; and
Whereas, New Jersey will continue to take every opportunity to honor and recognize the brave men and women who serve their country and State by supporting and recognizing these children and young American heroes; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 1 of P.L.2022, J.R.3 (C.36:2-420) is amended to read as follows:
C.36:2-420 "Military Child Appreciation Month", "Military Child Appreciation Week", and “Military Child Appreciation Day” designated.
1. In order to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of military children and to encourage the State of New Jersey’s continued commitment and support for military children living in the State:
a. The month of April of each year is designated as “Military Child Appreciation Month” in New Jersey.
b. The last full week of April of each year is designated as “Military Child Appreciation Week” in New Jersey.
c. April 14 of each year is designated as “Military Child Appreciation Day” in New Jersey.
2. Section 2 of P.L.2022, J.R.3 (C.36:2-421) is amended to read as follows:
C.36:2-421 Annual observation.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of the State to observe “Military Child Appreciation Month,” “Military Child Appreciation Week,” and “Military Child Appreciation Day” with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved April 14, 2023.