This bill mandates that all battlefield cross memorials in New Jersey, both existing and future, must include replicas of a vertical rifle, helmet, boots, and dog tags in their traditional memorial configuration. The legislation emphasizes the historical significance of battlefield crosses, tracing their origins back to the Civil War, where fallen soldiers were marked with wooden plaques. The bill highlights the evolution of the battlefield cross, particularly since the Gulf War in 1991, where the current configuration has become a powerful symbol of honor and respect for those who have died in service.

The act aims to ensure that New Jersey's battlefield crosses reflect this modern configuration, thereby continuing the tradition of honoring fallen soldiers. The bill will take effect 90 days after its enactment, reinforcing the state's commitment to memorializing its veterans appropriately.