Bill > SJR171

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates March 9 of each year as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. The United States government currently recognizes March 9 as U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, in honor of Robert A. Levinson, a retired FBI special agent, who was abducted from Kish Island, Iran on March 9, 2007. Robert A. Levinson remains missing as the longest-held U.S. hostage at 18 years. America has a marked history of citizens being taken hostage or wrongfully detained, with one of the most prominent instances being the Iranian hostage crisis in which more than 60 Americans were taken hostage on November 4, 1979 at the Embassy of the United States in Tehran, with 52 of them being held until January 20, 1981. The seizing or detention of other notable Americans, such as the journalist James Foley who was taken hostage and killed by the Islamic State on August 19, 2014, has greatly impacted how the U.S. government responds to the taking and wrongful detention of American citizens. Today, Americans continue to be taken hostage or wrongfully detained at increasing rates, with more citizens being taken hostage or wrongfully detained from 2015 to 2025 than from 2005 to 2014. In 2024, at least 54 Americans were held hostage or wrongfully detained in 17 countries, with at least 17 Americans being released from captivity throughout the year. In 2025, at least 41 Americans are being held hostage or are wrongfully detained in 13 countries. However, the actual number of Americans unjustly held captive abroad is likely much higher since not all cases are made public and the U.S. government does not provide exact numbers due to national security concerns. Recent events have led to an increased number of American hostages and wrongful detainees, including Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 which resulted in hostages who have recently been returned home. On U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, the U.S. government flies the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag to honor Americans who have been taken hostage or wrongfully detained, as well as to display the country's commitment and prioritization of the deserved freedom of American hostages or wrongful detainees. It is imperative for New Jersey to do the same as a means to recognize and honor the Americans who are being held hostage or wrongfully detained and their deserved freedom. This resolution also requests the Governor to annually display the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag at the State Capitol building, and to encourage other State and local government entities to also display the flag at their respective buildings, on various dates.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Linda Greenstein (D)*,  Parker Space (R)*,  Angela Mcknight (D), 

Substituted by AJR231 (on 01/12/2026)

Official Document