11-R426

2011 -- H 6316

Enacted 06/30/11

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

DESIGNATING THE HONOR AND REMEMBER FLAG AS THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND'S EMBLEM OF THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE BY THOSE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES IN DEFENSE OF OUR NATIONAL FREEDOMS

Introduced By: Representatives MacBeth, Costa, Menard, Jacquard, and Gallison

Date Introduced: June 30, 2011

     WHEREAS, War deaths have been part of our heritage since the birth of this nation, yet

there has never been an official national symbol that recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by

members of the United States military in service to our nation; and

     WHEREAS, House Resolution 1034 of the 111th Congress designates the Honor and

Remember Flag, created by Honor and Remember, Inc., to officially recognize and honor fallen

members of the United States Armed Forces; and

     WHEREAS, The Red Field represents the blood spilled by brave men and women in

America’s military throughout our history, men and women who willingly gave their lives so that

we all would remain free; and

     WHEREAS, The Blue Star is a symbol of active service in military conflict, originating

with World War I, but on this flag it signifies service through all generations, from the American

Revolution to present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; and

     WHEREAS, The White Border surrounding the Gold Star recognizes the purity of

sacrifice and that there is no greater price an American can pay than to give his or her life in

service to our country; and

     WHEREAS, The Gold Star symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active

service who will not return home, and reflects the value of the life that was given; and

     WHEREAS, The Folded Flag element highlights this nation’s final tribute to a fallen

serviceperson and a family’s sacrifice; and

     WHEREAS, 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; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly calls for a unifying symbol

recognizing this nation’s solemn debt to the estimated 1.6 million fallen service members

throughout history, and the families and communities who mourn their loss; now therefore, be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby designates the Honor and Remembrance Flag as the state’s official

emblem of service and sacrifice by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces

who have given their lives in the line of duty; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Major General Robert Bray, Adjutant General

of the State of Rhode Island.

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LC01302

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