HOUSE BILL REPORT

HJM 4004

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: Requesting the designation of an "Honor and Remember Flag" as an official symbol to recognize Armed Forces members who have died in the line of duty.

Sponsors: Representatives Short, Blake, Bailey, Hunt, Crouse, Nealey, Haler, Rodne, McCune, Buys, Asay, Klippert, Warnick, Shea, Kelley, Johnson, Seaquist, Taylor, Roberts, Haigh, Ross, Ahern, Upthegrove, Smith and Kristiansen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 2/3/11 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/14/11, 93-0.

Passed Senate: 4/8/11, 48-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prays that the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States enact a bill to create an "Honor and Remember Flag."

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Condotta, Darneille, Dunshee, Hurst, McCoy and Miloscia.

Background:

A national campaign is underway to convince Congress to adopt an "Honor and Remember Flag" as a national flag honoring all fallen servicemen and servicewomen. The flag would be added to the official United States flag displays on military holidays alongside the United States flag and the Missing in Action/Prisoner of War flag. The campaign was started by the father of a soldier killed while serving in Iraq.

A bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives during the 110th Congress, House Resolution 1034, to designate the "Honor and Remember Flag" as an official symbol to recognize members of the United States Armed Forces who died in the line of duty. The bill was introduced and referred to committee, but did not get a hearing.

Summary of Bill:

A request is made to the United States Senate and House of Representatives to enact a bill to create an "Honor and Remember Flag" to serve as a national symbol and establish a permanent national flag to fly continuously in eternal honor and remembrance of those who have given their lives in military service for our nation.

Copies of the memorial must be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The impetus to do this bill is based on a nationwide movement to recognize the lives given in the line of service and to honor their memory.

Specialist Ryan Bell was killed in action in Iraq on March 5, 2007, along with six of his comrades. Specialist Bell's family lives with this loss every day and flies the United States flag in his honor. The family was awarded the "Honor and Remember Flag" with Ryan's name printed on the flag. The flag means a lot to the families who have lost loved ones who were killed while serving their country. Such a remembrance of those who gave their lives is an honor to bestow.

(Opposed) None.