New Jersey Senate Bill S3673

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Report Pass: 6/1/23
• Engrossed: 12/11/23
• Refer: 12/11/23

Caption

Designates bridge over Crosswicks Creek on Interstate Highway Route 295 North as "Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sapper Company Memorial Highway."

Impact

The bill has the potential to enhance state laws related to memorialization and public commemorations. By officially recognizing the bridge in honor of Specialist Moore, the legislation reinforces the state's commitment to honoring its fallen veterans. Moreover, it sets a precedent for similar acts of commemoration within the state, which can lead to increased visibility and respect for military service. However, the execution of this memorial is conditioned on private funding for the associated signage, impacting the approach to funding public memorializations moving forward.

Summary

Senate Bill S3673 is a legislative proposal aimed at designating a specific bridge over Crosswicks Creek on Interstate Highway Route 295 North as the 'Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sapper Company Memorial Highway.' This designation is intended to honor Army Specialist Benjamin Moore, who died in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan, as well as the 693rd Sapper Company, with which he served. The bill emphasizes the significance of remembering the sacrifices made by military personnel and aims to create a permanent tribute in the form of a highway designation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S3673 is overwhelmingly positive, with broad support for the idea of honoring veterans and ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Legislators and constituents alike are united in their acknowledgment of Specialist Moore's heroism and the importance of memorializing military service. The bill is seen as a meaningful act of gratitude from the state to both a fallen soldier and the military community as a whole.

Contention

There were minor points of contention raised regarding the funding mechanism for the signage. The bill explicitly states that state funds will not be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting the memorial signs, which means that private donations will be essential. While this approach could promote community involvement and support, critics argue that reliance on private funding might limit the scope of such honorific designations in the future, making them contingent on financial support from non-governmental sources.