Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2208
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Designating the honor and remember flag as Washington's emblem of the service and sacrifice by our military personnel.
Sponsors: Representatives Short, Seaquist, Finn, Blake, Smith, Hunt, Buys, Orwall, Shea, Taylor, Nealey, Walsh, Overstreet, Klippert, Kretz, Bailey, Hinkle, Kristiansen, Rodne, Warnick, Orcutt, Schmick, Haler, Asay, Fagan, Johnson, Upthegrove, Hurst and McCune.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/11/12
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
A national campaign is underway to convince Congress to adopt the "Honor and Remember Flag" as a national flag honoring all United States' service members who have given their lives in military service for the nation. In 2011, House Joint Memorial 4004 passed the Legislature, praying that the United States Congress enact, and the President sign, a bill to create an "Honor and Remember Flag" to establish a permanent national flag to fly continuously in eternal honor and remembrance of those who have given their lives in military service for the nation.
Honor and Remember, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has designed a flag which includes certain symbols described on its website as follows:
The Red Field represents the blood spilled by brave men and women in America’s military throughout our history, who willingly gave their lives so that we all would remain free.
The Blue Star represents active service in military conflict. This symbol originated with World War I, but on this flag it signifies service through all generations from the American Revolution to present day.
The White Border surrounding the gold star recognizes the purity of sacrifice. There is no greater price an American can pay than to give his or her life in service to our country.
The Gold Star signifies the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active service who will not return home. Gold reflects the value of the life that was given.
The Folded Flag signifies the final tribute to an individual life that a family sacrificed and gave to the nation.
The Flame is an eternal reminder of the spirit that has departed this life yet burns on in the memory of all who knew and loved the fallen hero.
Summary of Bill:
The "Honor and Remember Flag" created by Honor and Remember, Inc. is designated as the official Washington State emblem of the service and sacrifice by the men and women of the United States armed forces who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.