Mohawk Valley Times

Senators Peter Oberacker (R/C-Schenevus) and Joseph Griffo (R/C-Rome) announced on May 10, 2024, that they are co-sponsoring a bipartisan legislation to make the “Honor and Remember Flag” the official flag for recognizing and honoring armed service members in New York. The initiative came at the urging of both senators and in response to a request from the Chenango County Board of Supervisors.

The bill (S.8929) has been introduced by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island), chair of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. In parallel, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) has introduced the same legislation (A.3429) in the Assembly.

Senator Oberacker expressed his support for the legislation, stating: “Every man and woman who wears a United States military uniform sacrifices for our nation and our way of life - some make the ultimate sacrifice. The 'Honor and Remember Flag' will serve as a testament to those brave patriots and help remind all of us that the freedoms we enjoy are thanks to those who have served our country."

Senator Griffo also voiced his backing: “I am proud to be supporting this bipartisan legislation...The 'Honor and Remember Flag' will provide us with an additional way to recognize the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation."

Echoing her colleagues' sentiments, Senator Scarcella-Spanton said: “This flag stands as a reminder to those who served this country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. This legislation also acknowledges the families who lost loved ones and keep their memory alive.”

The “Honor and Remember Flag” was conceived by George Lutz after his son was killed while on patrol in Iraq in 2005. Mr. Lutz sought a symbol that would acknowledge service men and women who died while in service. Unable to find one, he created a flag that has since been adopted by multiple states as the official flag recognizing military members who have given their lives in the line of duty.