No. 60
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman HERB CONAWAY, JR.
District 7 (Burlington)
Assemblyman WAYNE P. DEANGELO
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex and Hudson)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Karabinchak, Moen, Assemblywomen Ramirez, Fantasia, Donlon, Peterpaul, Assemblyman Freiman, Assemblywomen Drulis, Lampitt and Assemblyman Inganamort
SYNOPSIS
Declares NJ “Purple Heart State.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee with technical review.
A Joint Resolution declaring New Jersey a “Purple Heart State” and supplementing chapter 15 to Title 38A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Whereas, Throughout our nation’s history, New Jersey’s veterans and active duty military members have selflessly fought to preserve our nation’s freedom; and
Whereas, The Purple Heart is the oldest, and among the most venerated, American military decorations awarded in the name of the President to service members wounded or killed while serving in our nation’s Armed Forces; and
Whereas, A Purple Heart Medal is a solemn distinction representing the great personal sacrifices made by a service member while serving in the line of duty; and
Whereas, Purple Heart Medal recipients deserve recognition and honor for the bravery that the recipients have shown while serving in our nation’s Armed Forces; and
Whereas, Three states, West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, are declared “Purple Heart States”; and
Whereas, The “Purple Heart Trail,” a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that pay tribute to the veterans and active duty military members who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal, exists in parts of 45 states; and
Whereas, New Jersey has multiple counties, cities, and locations that are recognized as part of the “Purple Heart Trail”; and
Whereas, The “Purple Heart Trail” was established by resolution during the 1992 Military Order of the Purple Heart convention, held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and
Whereas, Declaring New Jersey as a “Purple Heart State” honors the contributions and sacrifices of New Jersey service members who have received the Purple Heart Medal; and
Whereas, Many service members from New Jersey have earned the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while engaged in contact with an enemy force, recognized as a singularly meritorious act of essential service; and
Whereas, The contributions and sacrifices of Purple Heart Medal recipients from New Jersey have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the State’s citizens; and
Whereas, The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the service members who have selflessly served our nation and the State of New Jersey; and
Whereas, In recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of Purple Heart Medal recipients, it is altogether fitting and proper to declare New Jersey a “Purple Heart State”; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. New Jersey is declared a “Purple Heart State” to honor Purple Heart Medal recipients from the State.
2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.