All NJ Veterans & Active Military Could Get Free Beach Access
So another bill is very close to passing in Trenton and this is a law that I am SO on board with.
According to NJ.com, the bill will make it mandatory for all active military members and veterans to receive free access to any beach in New Jersey.
It all started with Belmar, the Jersey Shore Town that was only allowing active military members and disabled veterans onto their beaches for free. This means that nondisabled veterans under the age of 62 were being charged to get onto the beach.
NOT. COOL.
The town JUST recently switched the rule after admitting that a New Jersey law had been misinterpreted -- thank god -- and now all active military and veterans are being granted free entry onto Belmar beaches.
I am very hopeful that this new bill passes because this rule should be held up everywhere throughout the Garden State.
The way the beach-entry rule was originally presented, it came across as if non-active veterans who did not come home with a major injury were being punished for it.
Luckily, public officials were quick to notice their mistake and is in the process of fixing it.
“Our veterans and active military personnel have fought on beaches, in jungles, and in cities around the world to make sure that we can live free here at home,” said Assembly Conference Leader Anthony M. Bucco. “This is just a small token of gratitude that we can give our veterans and military personnel that risk their lives, some making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. This is just a small way of saying thank you.”
They served our country. They protected us. Treat them as such.
For a closer look at the original article, head to NJ.com for a more in-depth look at the situation.