Designates, as State and public holiday, September 11 as Patriot Day.
The enactment of A4904 will lead to an amendment of existing laws regarding legal holidays in New Jersey. Specifically, it amends P.L.2008, c.89 and R.S.36:1-1 to formally recognize September 11 as a public holiday. This change not only alters the list of paid holidays for state employees but also encourages public offices and institutions to engage in commemorative activities. Given the nature of the holiday, state government operations, including offices, would be expected to facilitate memorial observances and programs dedicated to the memory of those lost in the terrorist attacks.
A4904 is a bill that designates September 11 as Patriot Day, officially recognized as a State and public holiday in New Jersey. This legislative initiative aims to honor and remember the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Among the fallen, approximately 750 were New Jersey residents, showcasing the significant impact this tragedy had on the state. By establishing Patriot Day as a public holiday, the bill emphasizes the importance of remembrance and reflection on this day in the state's history.
While A4904 has wide support due to its commemorative intent, it may also raise points of discussion regarding its implications for the administration of state holidays and the observance of federal commemorative days. Some constituents may view the formal designation as a means of fostering collective memory and resilience, while others may express concerns about how it impacts existing holidays. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment aligns with honoring the victims and reinforcing the historical significance of September 11 within the state.