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Bill > A5015
NJ A5015
NJ A5015Requires battlefield cross memorials in NJ include replicas of vertical rifle, helmet, boots, and dog tags.
summary
Introduced
11/14/2024
11/14/2024
In Committee
11/14/2024
11/14/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires that battlefield cross memorials in New Jersey that are currently erected and that will be erected in the future include replicas of a vertical rifle, a helmet, boots, and dog tags in their traditional memorial configuration. Historians have found that battlefield crosses date back to the Civil War. Soldiers who died in battle were buried in temporary cemeteries near the battlefield, with their graves being identified by wooden plaques. The configuration of the rifle pointed downward with a helmet on the stock was commonly seen during World Wars I and II, acting as a marker for the Graves Registration Service and as a memorial. Since the Gulf War in 1991, the latest configuration for the battlefield cross, which includes a vertical rifle, helmet, boots, and dog tags, has become a symbol of honor and respect for fallen soldiers as well as closure for the living. It is fitting and proper for New Jersey to require battlefield crosses in the State to incorporate the latest configuration as a way of continuing to honor and respect fallen soldiers.
AI Summary
This bill requires that all battlefield cross memorials in New Jersey, both existing and future, must include specific memorial elements that symbolize a fallen soldier's sacrifice: a vertical rifle, a helmet, boots, and dog tags. The bill provides historical context for battlefield crosses, explaining that these memorials originated during the Civil War as a way to mark temporary gravesites for soldiers who died in battle. The legislation notes that the memorial configuration has evolved over time, with the current standard emerging since the Gulf War in 1991. The purpose of the bill is to standardize and honor the memorial configuration across the state, ensuring that each battlefield cross represents a consistent and meaningful tribute to fallen service members. The new requirements will apply to all battlefield cross memorials in New Jersey, regardless of when they were originally established, and will take effect 90 days after the bill's enactment.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee (on 11/14/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5015 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5015_I1.HTM |
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