The resolution designates July 18 of each year as Sergeant William Harvey Carney Day in New Jersey to honor the heroic actions of William Harvey Carney, the first African-American soldier to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Born into slavery in Virginia in 1840, Carney gained his freedom and joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African-American regiments in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. He displayed extraordinary bravery during the July 18, 1863 attack on Fort Wagner, where he took up the regimental flag after the color guard was killed, continuing to carry it despite sustaining severe wounds. His actions not only exemplified courage but also contributed to the recognition of the value of black soldiers in the Union Army.

The resolution calls for the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe this day with appropriate activities and programs each year. It aims to commemorate not only Carney's individual bravery but also the collective valor of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which faced significant discrimination despite their contributions to the war effort. The resolution highlights the importance of remembering these historical figures and their triumphs over adversity, both on the battlefield and in the fight against racial discrimination.