NEW JERSEY – New Jersey may soon join West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington in being officially named a “Purple Heart State” thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield and approved Monday 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.”
Stanfield’s joint resolution, SJR98, would declare New Jersey a “Purple Heart State” and honor the sacrifices of the New Jersey service members who have received the Purple Heart Medal.
Three states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, are already declared “Purple Heart States.” Parts of 45 states, including New Jersey, are part of the “Purple Heart Trail,” a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to those who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
“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,” Stanfield said. “The least we can do is formally recognize these sacrifices by making New Jersey a ‘Purple Heart State.’”
