Recognizes Orange Heart Medal in NJ.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein and 1 co-sponsor

SJR 71 formally recognizes the Orange Heart Medal in New Jersey to honor Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, without creating new programs or funding.

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution No. 71 (SJR 71)

Purpose and intent

Recognize and honor the Orange Heart Medal within the State of New Jersey.

Acknowledge the sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and the ongoing health and memorial implications for affected service members and their families.

Build on broader federal and state recognition efforts for victims of Agent Orange, noting existing private (Orange Heart Medal Project) and other state actions (e.g., Tennessee) as context and precedent.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: SJR 71 would officially acknowledge the Orange Heart Medal in New Jersey, elevating its status within the state to honor veterans affected by Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

Symbolic/governance effect: The resolution serves as an official state expression of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans who served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange.

No created program or funding: The text provided does not outline new state programs, funding, or administrative machinery beyond recognition. It is a ceremonial/judicial resolution.

Who or what would be affected

Vietnam War veterans and their families: Those affected by Agent Orange exposure would receive formal state recognition for their service and sacrifices.

The state’s public memory and observances: The resolution would influence how New Jersey honors and memorializes veterans affected by Agent Orange, potentially informing ceremonies and public statements.

Citizens and stakeholders: The broader community and veterans’ advocates may reference the resolution when discussing Agent Orange-related veterans’ issues.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and committee: Introduced in the New Jersey Senate and referred to the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on January 28, 2026.

Committee action: The Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reported favorable action on May 21, 2026 (2nd Reading), indicating approval by the committee.

Full Senate action: The bill was passed by the Senate on June 18, 2026, by a 40-0 vote, indicating unanimous support among senators.

Next steps: As a joint resolution, passage by both chambers (and, if required, any governor’s action) would finalize the formal recognition within New Jersey. The action history indicates Senate advancement; cross-chamber status would determine final enactment.

Additional context

The resolution references substantial historical context about Agent Orange exposure and its health impacts, noting the large scale of use during the Vietnam War and the ongoing toll on affected veterans.

It references the Orange Heart Medal Project, a private nonprofit that has awarded medals to thousands of veterans or their surviving spouses, and cites broader recognition efforts in other states and at the federal level.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief discussion of potential ceremonial implications for state ceremonies, or compare SJR 71 to similar resolutions in other states for context.