Designates 9/11 Heart Symbol flag as official State flag; mandates it be displayed at certain public buildings and memorials.
The bill mandates that the 9/11 Heart Symbol flag be displayed at designated public buildings and memorial sites across the state, including the State House in Trenton, municipal buildings, and county seats. It requires that this display occur during normal business hours on September 11th each year, ensuring that the state officially recognizes and memorializes this significant date in American history. This act represents an enhancement to existing state laws regarding commemorative symbols and honors in New Jersey, fostering a spirit of remembrance and resilience within the community.
Senate Bill S3674, introduced on September 30, 2024, designates the 9/11 Heart Symbol flag as the official State flag of New Jersey. This flag serves to honor and memorialize the tragic events of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, including approximately 750 New Jersey residents. The design of the flag features a red heart symbol, with the words '9-11-01 Never Forgotten' and a silhouette of the twin towers, encapsulating a strong message of remembrance for those affected by the attacks.
There may be potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly with regard to the representation and funding for the display of such flags across numerous public sites. While the protective intent of the bill is likely to receive widespread support, discussions could arise about the logistics and costs associated with maintaining such displays, as well as possible implications for other memorials or symbols that commemorate different events or communities.