Resolution that would make Sept. 23 known as Bruce Springsteen Day in New Jersey progresses in Trenton

Many might be surprised to hear Bruce Springsteen does not have a day dedicated to honor him in his home state of New Jersey.

But that could be changing soon after a state Senate committee approved a resolution Thursday that would make Sept. 23 – the singer-songwriter's birthday – Bruce Springsteen Day.

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The resolution now goes back to the Senate for a second reading; it received the thumbs up from all five members of the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.

Sept. 23 should be designated Bruce Springsteen Day in New Jersey "in recognition of the many accomplishments of Bruce Springsteen and his contributions to this State," resolution reads.

If tapproved by both houses of the state legislature, the governor would be tasked annually with issuing a proclamation calling upon New Jersey public officials and residents to pay respect to The Boss through appropriate activities and programs.

A state Assembly version of the resolution also is under consideration by the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. 

The measure's primary sponsors are Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen; Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, D-Monmouth; Assemblywoman Joann Downey, D-Monmouth; and Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth.

Houghtaling, Downey and Gopal's legislative districts encompass Springsteen's place of birth (Long Branch), the musician's hometown (Freehold), the city where Springsteen's career took off (Asbury Park) and town were the 71-year-old rocker currently resides (Colts Neck).

Springsteen would not be the first E Street Band member with his or her own day in New Jersey. Former Gov. Chris Christie, a well-documented Springsteen fan, signed a resolution in 2013 making Jan. 11 "Clarence Clemons Day" in honor of the late saxophonist's birthday.

Gov. Phil Murphy made Nov. 17 "Danny DeVito Day" in 2018 in honor of the actor and Asbury Park native's birthday.