ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 66

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 21, 2024

      The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 66.

      The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when the armed forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea invaded the Republic of Korea in a surprise and unprovoked attack.  A few days later, the United Nations’ Security Council declared that the attack conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was a violation of peace.  Shortly after, United Nations members were urged to support the Republic of Korea in its defense.  Twenty-two countries, including the United States, got involved in the Korean War by supplying the Republic of Korea with fighting units and medical services. 

     From the 1.7 million American soldiers who served in the Korean War, more than 33,000 died and more than 100,000 were injured.  More than 191,000 New Jersey residents served in the military during the Korean War, and 836 New Jersey residents were killed or missing in action during the war.  After the Korean War ended, the United States and the Republic of Korea signed a mutual defense treaty, which established an alliance between both countries. This year marks the 71st anniversary of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea that was formed through sacrifice and shared hardship.  Although the Korean War led to the death of 2.5 million individuals, this war is often referred to as the "forgotten war" for the lack of attention it has received compared to other, more well-known international conflicts.  Therefore, the State of New Jersey commemorates the 71st anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War on July 27, 1953.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.