TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Richard J. Codey and Nellie Pou to require the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to develop an online historic tour identifying locations of war battles and places of significance to war efforts in New Jersey was signed into law yesterday.
“From its pivotal role in the American Revolution as the location of many major battles to its significant contributions in subsequent wars, New Jersey has a rich history,” said Senator Codey (D-Essex, Morris). “This law will allow us to preserve that history, and make it available and easily accessible to individuals and history buffs who want to visit or learn more about New Jersey’s historic sites.”
The law, S-2726, requires DMVA, in consultation with the Division of Travel and Tourism and the New Jersey Historical Commission, to develop a list and an online historic tour of war battles fought and places of historic significance to the military and war efforts within New Jersey and in State waters, including locations used for military operations or training or which house, berth, or preserve historic military equipment, vehicles, or vessels.
“Not only will this law help preserve our state’s history but it will also allow us to attract visitors and tourists who are interested in learning more about the sites that were a big part of the formation of our nation,” said Senator Pou (D-Bergen, Passaic).
Under the law, the website must specify the date and location, and describe the importance, of each battle that took place on lands within the state or in State waters. Also, the list and online tour must include information pertaining to battles fought and places that are of historic significance to military actions or war efforts undertaken in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The law authorizes the Department to call to its assistance any State, county, or municipal department, authority, board, bureau, commission, agency, or entity, Rutgers, The State University, or any other public institution of higher education in the state, for the purpose of carrying out its duties.
The law takes effect immediately.