The Honor and Remember Flag is a national symbol of remembrance. This distinctive banner powerfully recognizes the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Origins of the Flag
On December 29, 2005, George Lutz’s son was killed while on patrol in Iraq. As he grieved, he spoke to many Gold Star families and discovered a common need to know that the United States would never forget their loved sacrifice. He then made it his mission to create a symbol that would be a tribute to the men and women of the US Armed Forces who died while serving their country. On Memorial Day 2008, the Honor and Remember Flag was unveiled to recognize these heroes.
Symbolic Design
The Flag’s design is both simple and deeply meaningful:
- A gold star representing the life of the fallen service member
- A red background symbolizes the bloodshed in defense of freedom
- A folded American flag representing the nation’s gratitude
- The service member’s name and date of ultimate sacrifice are typically included
Mission and Purpose
The primary goals of the Honor and Remember Flag include:
- Providing a lasting memorial to fallen service members
- Offering comfort to Gold Star Families
- Educating future generations about military sacrifices
- Creating a visible symbol of national appreciation and remembrance
Recognition and Adoption
Since its inception, the Flag has gained significant recognition:
- Multiple states have officially adopted the Flag
- It has been displayed at national monuments and military installations
- Many communities hold special ceremonies to honor the Flag and those it represents
More Than Just a Flag
The Honor and Remember Flag is more than a piece of fabric—it’s a living memorial. It provides a tangible way for Americans to express gratitude to military families who have suffered irreplaceable loss.
How to Show Support
Individuals can support the Honor and Remember Flag by:
- Learning about its significance
- Participating in local memorial events
- Supporting organizations that work to preserve the memory of fallen service members
- Displaying the Flag in their community
It has been almost ten years since I heard George Lutz tell the Honor and Remember Flag story. It continues to stand as a powerful reminder of the actual cost of freedom. Requests from family members, ways to support Honor and Remember, Inc., and more details about the Flag can be found at HonorandRemember.org. A Stars & Stripes Flag Corporation is proud to offer the Honor and Remember Flag for purchase on our website. Please contact us if you have any questions about the Honor and Remember Flag or any other flags we offer.
