Griffo and Oberacker: ‘Honor and Remember Flag’ legislation passed by Senate

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Sen. Peter Oberacker, R-C- Schenevus, announced today that legislation they have cosponsored that would make the “Honor and Remember Flag” the official flag for recognizing and honoring armed service members in New York has been passed by the Senate.

 

At the urging of Sen. Griffo and Sen. Oberacker and in response to a request from the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, the bill (S8929) was introduced by Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, D-Staten Island, and chair of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, has introduced the legislation (A3429) in the Assembly. The bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Governmental Operations Committee.

 

The “Honor and Remember Flag” was conceived by George Lutz, the father of George Anthony Lutz II, who was killed by a sniper's bullet while he was on patrol in Iraq on December 29, 2005.

 

Mr. Lutz searched for a symbol that acknowledges the service men and women who died while in service. However, he could not find one and decided to create a flag that would be universally recognizable. Since then, the flag has been adopted by multiple states as the official flag that recognizes military members who have given their lives in the line of duty.

 

 

“I am pleased that the Senate has passed this bipartisan legislation and am hopeful that the Assembly will do the same,” Sen. Griffo said. “This bill will designate the ‘Honor and Remember Flag’ as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

 

“The ‘Honor and Remember Flag’ will serve as a testament to the courageous men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Sen. Oberacker.  “I commend those in Chenango County who brought this bill to our attention for their desire to recognize our brave patriots.  My thanks to my senate colleagues for approving this bill and I look forward to the Assembly taking positive action before the end of the legislative session as well.”

 

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