HJR 53-HONOR AND REMEMBER FLAG  9:18:03 AM CHAIR MENARD announced the next order of business to come before the committee would be HJR 53. KAREN SAWYER, staff to Representative Gatto, said HJR urges Congress to move forward a bill that designates the Honor and Remember flag as an official symbol recognizing members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. The flag was conceived by George Lutz, whose son died in Iraq. Mr. Lutz and other families who lost a loved one realized that an official, national symbol honoring those who died in service does not exist. MS. SAWYER held up a depiction of the flag and said the committee packets explain the meaning of the design and colors. Mr. Lutz's congressman introduced the bill into Congress but it is sitting in committee. Thousands of flags have been given out by Mr. Lutz's organization and he would like to see states pick up the Honor and Remember Flag as an official emblem. Representative Gatto is hoping to put in a bill to make the Honor and Remember Flag an official symbol in Alaska; two other states and several cities have already done so. Veterans groups have endorsed the flag and it is made in the USA. She pointed out that many people think the American flag honors those that have fallen but it is a symbol of freedom and America's history. 9:21:06 AM The bill in Congress says the Honor and Remember Flag will be flown under the American flag on certain days of the year like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. CHAIR MENARD asked if the bill in Congress is H.R. 1034. MS. SAWYER replied yes. CHAIR MENARD asked about support in other states. MS. SAWYER replied that other states have similar legislation. Mr. Lutz's organization is going to every state to push this movement. Alaska has an instate chapter. SENATOR KOOKESH asked if Representative Gatto has any problem changing history and making history. Senator Kookesh said he was referring to Representative Gatto's comments about not wanting to change history but preferring to keep things the same in reference to a bill that Senator Kookesh feels strongly about. He asked Ms. Sawyer to pass the question on to Representative Gatto. He said he supports HJR 53. 9:23:41 AM SENATOR FRENCH said he is curious about the interplay between a non-profit corporation and government. He wonders if any members of Congress are concerned about putting a flag developed by a non-profit on a flag pole under the American flag. MS. SAWYER responded that after doing research and speaking to Mr. Lutz, she is certain this movement is not about money. She is unsure why the bill is stalled in Congress. SENATOR FRENCH said he does not want to stall HJR 53 nor is he assuming that profit is a motive. He said, "It just seems a little funny" to put a non-profit's flag with the American flag even though he supports the concept. SENATOR PASKVAN said he is somewhat troubled by flying a flag over the nation and the capitol other than nation's flag. Doing so could potentially be divisive as not all wars have been supported by all people. MS. SAWYER clarified that Senator Paskvan meant flying the Honor and Remember flag in addition to the nation's flag. SENATOR PASKVAN replied yes. MS. SAWYER noted that other flags are flown under the American flag, including the state flag and the POW MIA flag. She is not sure there is cause for concern and noted that the Honor and Remember flag would be flown only on certain memorial occasions. SENATOR PASKVAN noted that the private group is advancing an honorable and appropriate cause. But whether or not to elevate the flag to a national symbol is the question. 9:28:25 AM CHAIR MENARD asked how Ms. Sawyer envisions the flags laid out. MS. SAWYER replied that the flag would be third down. SENATOR KOOKESH said everyone who dies in the line of duty receives an American Flag. He asked if this flag would be in lieu of or in addition to the American flag. MS. SAWYER replied that the Honor and Remember Flag would be given in addition to the American flag. DAVID CASWELL, director, Honor and Remember - Alaska, said three states have adopted the Honor and Remember flag as a symbol recognizing the sacrifice of military personnel that have died in the line of duty. Several cities and local organizations are also participating. The Honor and Remember flag would fly underneath the American flag. If the POW MIA flag is flying, it would fly directly underneath that flag. He noted that the Honor and Remember campaign started in 2008 and is quickly spreading. The POW MIA flag took 18 years to be accepted nationally. While many think the U.S. flag honors and remembers fallen heroes; however, it stands for what we believe, the unity of the people and the diversity of the nation. The 13 stripes represent the original colonies. The stars represent the 50 states. Red symbolizes heartiness and valor. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. 9:32:25 AM The 1.6 million service men and women that have died in military service should be honored and remembered with a nationally recognized symbol designed and intended for that single purpose. 9:33:57 AM CHAIR MENARD closed public testimony. SENATOR MEYER moved to report HJR 53 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). There being no objection, the motion carried.