Bill Would Create Service Ribbon for Guard Members Who Carry Out Service Missions for Deceased Veterans
(TRENTON) — Legislation sponsored by Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee chair Jack Conners (D-Burlington/Camden) to create a New Jersey Honor Guard Ribbon for the New Jersey National Guard was released Monday by Conners’ committee.
“The men and women in uniform who stand guard over those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country are deserving of recognition,” said Conners, a former Army Reservist and Army National Guard member. “This ribbon would be a small nod to the invaluable service they provide to the families, friends and communities of ‘Those Who Served.'”
Under Conners’ bill (A-1945), a New Jersey Honor Guard Ribbon would be created to honor active members of the New Jersey National Guard, Honor Guard Retiree members and Contracted Civilian Buglers who have served as Honor Guard Team Members in the Army National Guard New Jersey Honor Guard Program or who work at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery. Eligible individuals would have to have performed a minimum of 30 Honor Guard Service missions for deceased veterans.
Support personnel also would be eligible to receive the ribbon upon completion of nine months of service in support of the Honor Guard Program. Determination of eligibility would rest with the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The ribbon would be available two months after the bill’s enactment.
“These men and women voluntarily choose to stand watch over their deceased comrades as they are laid to rest,” said Conners. “It seems only fitting to recognize them for their distinguished service.”
The committee unanimously released the measure. It now heads to the Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.
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