TRENTON – New Jersey is known for many things, but it’s also home to a large veteran population. November is Veteran’s Appreciation Month and legislators are seeking to add New Jersey to the growing number of states adopting a “Purple Heart State” status.
Those states include West Virginia, Virginia and Washington.
This week, legislation proposed by State Senator Jean Stanfield was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“New Jersey’s veterans and active duty service members have fought selflessly to preserve our nation’s freedom, with many being wounded or killed while in the line of duty,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Purple Heart Medal recipients from New Jersey have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the residents of our state. By declaring New Jersey a ‘Purple Heart State,’ my legislation will honor these service members and their contributions.”
The bill honors the sacrifices of those wounded and killed in action in defense of the United States.
“The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the military members who have selflessly served our country and were wounded in the line of duty,” added Stanfield. “The least we can do is formally recognize these sacrifices by making New Jersey a ‘Purple Heart State.’”