January 28, 2008 - 11:25am
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CONNERS BILL CREATING 'COLD WAR CERTIFICATE' FOR VETERANS ADVANCES

Assembly Democrats News Release

CONNERS BILL CREATING 'COLD WAR CERTIFICATE'
FOR VETERANS ADVANCES

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblyman Jack Conners sponsored to honor the thousands of New Jersey military veterans who served during the 46-year Cold War was released today by the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

"Thousands of New Jerseyans served this nation admirably during one of the most tense and stressful periods of our nation's history," said Conners (D-Camden), a veteran and chairman of the veterans' panel. "Although many never saw direct combat, their sacrifices are no less significant and their role in the ultimate defeat of Soviet Communism is no less impressive. It is time these unsung heroes finally receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve."

Under the Conners measure (A-787), the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs would issue certificates of honor to Cold War veterans who are state residents or were residents when they began service in the U.S. Armed Forces. The honors would recognize service between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991 - a time period spanning from the Japanese surrender which ended World War II to the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Qualifying veterans must have been honorably discharged after completing at least 180 days of active service during the Cold War.

Certificates also may be awarded to posthumously or in the name of military personnel missing in action during the Cold War era.

The bill was released by a vote of 5-0. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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JOHN DUTHIE can be reached via email at duthiejo@gmail.com.
Related topics: Jack Conners, Veterans