No. 25
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman WAYNE P. DEANGELO
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Assemblyman JOE DANIELSEN
District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)
Assemblyman MICHAEL VENEZIA
District 34 (Essex)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Ramirez
SYNOPSIS
Designates first week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
A Joint Resolution designating the first week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week.
Whereas, Many of our military veterans and service members have incurred physical and mental injuries, illnesses, and wounds in the service of the United States; and
Whereas, With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of service members are surviving severe wounds and injures; and
Whereas, It is estimated that during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, for every United States soldier killed, seven are wounded for a combined total of over 48,000 servicemen; and
Whereas, In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with another 320,000 believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment; and
Whereas, These wounded warriors need programs uniquely structured to nurture their minds and bodies, to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nations history; and
Whereas, This State should honor and empower all wounded warriors, encouraging them as they adjust back to civilian life and achieve their goals; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The first full week of May of each year is designated as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week in New Jersey in order to raise public awareness to the unique courage and needs of wounded veterans in the service of the United States Military and encourage them in their adjustments to civilian life and achievement of their goals.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the first full week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week in New Jersey.
With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of military service members are surviving severe wounds and injures in the service of the United States. It is estimated that during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, over 48,000 servicemen and women were physically injured. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with another 320,000 believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment.
This State should honor and empower all wounded warriors, encouraging them in their adjustment to civilian life and achievement of their goals.