RARITAN BOROUGH, N.J. (Somerset County) — A resolution that would designate Sept. 22 of each year as “John Basilone Day” in New Jersey has advanced out of the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
The resolution, AJR103, is sponsored by Assemblymen Erik Peterson and John DiMaio, who represent Raritan Borough in the Legislature. It would establish the statewide day in honor of Raritan native and World War II U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone.
“The Borough of Raritan has done an excellent job honoring our hometown hero John Basilone with a statue, a park, annual parades, and more. It is time New Jersey does the same so more people can come to learn about this courageous man and his patriotism,” Peterson (R-Hunterdon) said.
Basilone received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign. He later requested to return to combat and was killed during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at Iwo Jima.
The resolution would also request that the governor issue an annual proclamation calling on public officials and New Jersey residents to observe “John Basilone Day” with appropriate activities and programs.
“John Basilone can easily be considered one of the greatest American war heroes of the Greatest Generation. Under enemy fire on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he pushed forward to help his fellow Marines break down the Japanese defenses and voluntarily paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. He more than earned a day in his honor in his home state of New Jersey. His sense of duty and extraordinary bravery are worth celebrating,” DiMaio (R-Warren) said.
