The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris and Somerset) which would require New Jersey’s Adjutant General to issue the State flag to residents enrolled in a federal service academy.

“It’s no small thing to make a commitment to enter one of our nation’s esteemed service academies,” Bucco stated. “It’s fitting for us to recognize the accomplished young men and women who dedicate themselves to careers serving and protecting our state and nation.”

Bucco’s legislation, S-2106, requires the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs to identify and issue to each state resident who enrolls in a service academy a New Jersey State flag. The measure is applicable to students of the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy.

Candidates for admission to the United States service academies go through a rigorous application process which usually begins with a nomination by a member of Congress or by the President or Vice President. Graduates commit to at least five years on active duty as a military officer.

Bucco noted that these distinguished men and women have devoted themselves to a life of military service, and have each demonstrated superior academic ability and integrity.

“Our state’s flag is a small gift of gratitude for a tremendous commitment to serving our county,” Bucco added. “It’s New Jersey’s way of saying, ‘thank you.’ I hope one day our young cadets, who begin their honorable journey in the military, will fly our state flag high and proud.”

The bill heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration.