Seeking to “Honor and Remember” our Fallen Heroes with a new Flag

On Memorial Day in 2008 a new flag, to honor and remember our fallen American soldier heroes, was unveiled at a special ceremony at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. This flag is a part of an effort to have a special flag to honor and remember our soldiers who have fallen while protecting the our freedoms and those of others across the globe.

The Honor and Remember Flag being displayed

On May 31, 2009, I received an email from Mike G. with just the URL to a story written about this effort, “Man Seeks to ‘Honor and Remember’ Fallen Heroes“, and the URL to the Honor and Remember website itself. It caught my attention and I felt it best to dig in and do some research about this relatively new effort. The project was started by the parents of George Anthony Lutz II (Tony) who was killed by a sniper’s bullet while on patrol Fallujah, Iraq.

Many have thought that the U.S. Flag was our way of honoring and remembering our fallen heroes.

Many people do believe this to be true. However, the American flag stands for what we believe, the unity of our people and the diversity of our nation. It is symbol of what we fight for, rather than an emblem to honor those fallen. Here is how the symbolism of the American flag is generally understood:

The U. S. flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes hardiness and valor; White symbolizes purity and innocence; Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

To put it simply, “The dead honor the flag, the flag does not honor the dead.”

~ Quote taken from Honor and Remember faq page.

Currently there is not a nationally recognized flag to Honor and Remember these fallen heroes. You can choose to help the efforts of Tony’s parents, and the many others who have joined the cause, and help them to build recognition and support for the Honor and Remember flag. Recently, Chesapeake, VA City Council members pledged their unanimous support for the “Honor and Remember Flag,” by passing a resolution on March 10, 2009. Read the details of this at, “Honor and Remember Flag builds momentum“. Please urge your town, city, or even state to be among the next to pass a resolution to support this great flag?

Kevin Baker rides across America with the Honor and Remember Flag

No related posts.