SENATE 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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, March 10, 2011
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: Passed House: 2/14/11, 93-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 3/10/11 [DP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Nelson and Roach.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Chase.
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: A national campaign is underway to convince Congress to adopt an Honor and Remember Flag as a nation 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 solider 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 nation 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This memorial reflects a nationwide campaign to create a Honor and Remembrance Flag to honor military service members who have died while serving our country. As the parent of an only child who was killed in Iraq, the flag my family was given when our son died means a great deal to me. The flag my family was given that carries my son's name and date of death hangs in the OSPI building. My family would like another flag to fly on our flagpole in front of our home. It would be an honor for us to fly a remembrance flag in honor of our only son. There should be an amendment to make the language in the memorial broader to include all service personnel to cover police officers and firefighters who have given their lives during this war. Broader language will allow the inclusion of all who have died in service during this war. It will provide closure for additional families who need it.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Thomas E. Young, citizen; Ginger Rhoades Bell, parent of Specialist Ryan Bell; Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition.