ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 103
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: OCTOBER 21, 2024
The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports
favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 103.
This resolution declares New Jersey a “Purple Heart State.”
New Jersey veterans and active duty military members have
fought selflessly to preserve our nation’s freedom, with many being
wounded or killed while in the line of duty. The Purple Heart Medal
is awarded in the name of the President to veterans and active duty
military members who have been wounded or killed while serving
in our nation’s Armed Forces. The recipients of the Purple Heart
Medal deserve recognition and honor for the bravery that recipients
have shown while serving our nation.
Three states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington,
are declared “Purple Heart States.” Parts of 45 states are part of the
“Purple Heart Trail,” a symbolic and honorary system of roads,
highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to the
veterans and active duty military members who have been awarded
the Purple Heart Medal. New Jersey has multiple counties, cities,
and locations that are part of the “Purple Heart Trail.” The “Purple
Heart Trail” was established at the 1992 Military Order of the
Purple Heart convention, which was held in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey.
Declaring New Jersey a “Purple Heart State” honors the
contributions and sacrifices of the New Jersey service members
who have received the Purple Heart Medal. Purple Heart Medal
recipients from the State have been vital in maintaining the
freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the State’s citizens.
The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the
utmost gratitude for all of the service members who have selflessly
served our country and the State. Therefore, it is altogether fitting
and proper to declare New Jersey a “Purple Heart State.”
As reported by the committee, Senate Joint Resolution No. 103 is
identical to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 60, which was also
reported by the committee on this date.