newjerseynewsroom.com

Legislation that would create an Honor Guard Ribbon for the New Jersey National Guard was approved Monday by the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Under the bill (A-1945), the 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 New Jersey Army National Guard 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.

"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 Assemblyman Jack Conners (D-Burlington), the sponsor of the proposal and 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.'"

The committee unanimously released the measure. It moves to the full assembly for a possible vote.

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM