TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew, to honor the hospitalized veterans in the State of New Jersey was approved by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today.
“It’s important to pay tribute and express our appreciation to hospitalized veterans who served and protected our nation,” said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland. “ During the ‘Salute To Hospitalized Veterans Week’ the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs would invite individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations and members of the community to participate in a variety of activities at their nursing homes and medical centers”.
The resolution, SJR-24, would designate the week of February 14th, each year, as “Salute To Hospitalized Veterans Week.”
“The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs provides services and programs for an estimated 634,000 New Jersey veterans and their families,” said Senator Van Drew.
“There are approximately 800 residents served in State Veterans’ memorial homes located in Paramus, Menlo Park and Vineland,” said Senator Van Drew. “Veterans Haven which is a transitional housing program for homeless veterans, has served over 376 veterans since it opened in 1995.”
Senator Van Drew also noted that the federal Department of Veterans Affairs runs medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliary, and nursing homes for more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services, including New Jersey veterans.
“We must increase community awareness of the role of the state and federal Veterans Affairs’ nursing homes, medical centers and outpatient clinics. We also should encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers.”
The resolution now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
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