New Jersey Assembly Bill AJR22

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Designates October 23rd of each year as Beirut Barracks Bombing Remembrance Day in New Jersey.

Impact

The resolution specifically calls upon the Governor to issue an annual proclamation, designating the day for commemoration. This act reinforces the importance of remembrance for the families of the victims and conveys a commitment to honoring those who served in conflict. It also aligns New Jersey with other jurisdictions that memorialize the Beirut Barracks Bombing, contributing to a broader national narrative about the sacrifices made by military personnel in overseas missions.

Summary

AJR22 is a Joint Resolution introduced in the New Jersey legislature that designates October 23rd of each year as Beirut Barracks Bombing Remembrance Day. This day serves to honor and remember the tragic events that took place on October 23, 1983, when a devastating terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of 241 American service members, including Marines, sailors, and soldiers, in Beirut, Lebanon. The resolution seeks to ensure that these sacrifices are recognized and memorialized annually in the state of New Jersey.

Contention

While the resolution primarily unifies the state in remembrance, it does implicitly address deeper discussions regarding military engagement and the ongoing implications of terrorism. The acknowledgment of the Beirut Barracks Bombing reflects on past foreign policy and military actions that may resonate with constituents, especially among veterans and military families. By establishing a formal remembrance day, the bill also subtly promotes awareness of the historical context of U.S. involvement in Lebanon and the evolving landscape of global terrorism.