State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Distrcit 53 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Distrcit 53 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
New York State Senators Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Peter Oberacker, R-C-Schenevus, announced today that legislation they have cosponsored to make the “Honor and Remember Flag” the official flag for recognizing and honoring armed service members in New York has been passed by the Senate.
At the urging of Sen. Griffo and Sen. Oberacker and in response to a request from the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, the bill (S8929) was introduced by Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, D-Staten Island, chair of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, has introduced corresponding legislation (A3429) in the Assembly. The bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Governmental Operations Committee.
The “Honor and Remember Flag” was conceived by George Lutz after his son, George Anthony Lutz II, was killed by a sniper's bullet while on patrol in Iraq on December 29, 2005. Mr. Lutz sought a symbol to acknowledge service members who died while serving but could not find one; thus he created a universally recognizable flag. Since then, multiple states have adopted it as their official flag to recognize military members who have given their lives in duty.
“I am pleased that the Senate has passed this bipartisan legislation and am hopeful that the Assembly will do the same,” Sen. Griffo said. “This bill will designate the ‘Honor and Remember Flag’ as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“The ‘Honor and Remember Flag’ will serve as a testament to the courageous men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Sen. Oberacker. “I commend those in Chenango County who brought this bill to our attention for their desire to recognize our brave patriots. My thanks to my senate colleagues for approving this bill and I look forward to the Assembly taking positive action before the end of the legislative session as well.”
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