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SJR 71

Relating to: honoring Jerry Apps for his contributions to Wisconsin’s heritage.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by André Jacque and 5 co-sponsors

Designates the first full week of May each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week in New Jersey to raise awareness and encourage observance.

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Bill Summary · SJR 71

Summary — SJR 71 (Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week)

Bill: SJR 71 (Joint Resolution)
Title: Designates the first full week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week
Subject: Commemoration / Veterans
Status: Approved P.L.2024, JR-5 (approved December 12, 2024). Takes effect immediately.
Related bills: AJR 25 (identical), HJR 138 (companion)

Purpose

To formally recognize and raise public awareness of the sacrifices and needs of wounded service members and veterans by designating the first full week of May each year as “Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week” in New Jersey and encouraging public observance.

Key provisions

  • Designation: Declares the first full week of May each year as “Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week” in New Jersey.
  • Governor proclamation: Respectfully requests the Governor to issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
  • Effective date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately upon approval.

Findings and rationale (from resolution)

The resolution cites data and findings to justify the designation, including:
- Advances in battlefield medicine and body armor have increased survivorship of severe wounds.
- During Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, an estimated 48,000 service members were physically injured (estimate cited in text).
- Estimates referenced for invisible wounds include up to 400,000 service members with combat-related stress, major depression, or PTSD, and about 320,000 believed to have experienced traumatic brain injury while deployed.
- A stated goal is to honor wounded warriors and encourage programs that support their adjustment to civilian life and achievement of their goals.

Who is affected / impact

  • Primary beneficiaries: wounded service members and veterans (symbolic recognition and increased public awareness).
  • State actors: Governor’s office is requested (not required) to issue an annual proclamation; state and local agencies and veterans’ organizations may choose to plan observances or programs.
  • Fiscal/regulatory impact: None specified. This is a commemorative/ceremonial resolution and does not create programs, appropriations, or regulatory mandates.

Legislative and procedural timeline (highlights)

  • Introduced in the New Jersey Senate and referred to Senate Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee (Jan–May 2024 committee activity).
  • Passed the Senate (May 20, 2024; vote 37–0) and passed the Assembly (Oct 28, 2024; vote 77–0–0).
  • Approved and filed as P.L.2024, JR-5 on December 12, 2024. The resolution is immediately effective.

Notes

  • The measure is declaratory/commemorative in nature: it raises awareness and encourages proclamation and observance but does not impose obligations or allocate funding.
  • Companion and identical measures (AJR 25, HJR 138) accompanied the resolution during consideration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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