Illinois is now on its way to officially recognizing the Honor and Remember Flag after legislation introduced by Illinois Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and carried by Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) passed out of the House.
“There is nothing that we can ever do to truly payback the sacrifices made by men and women of our armed forces in defense of our great nation and its freedoms,” said Sen. Rezin. “However, by officially recognizing the Honor and Remember Flag, which is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, we can make it clear to the loved ones that they left behind that we will never forget what they did for our country. As our nation prepares to honor our fallen veterans this Memorial Day, I’m proud the Illinois legislature is recognizing them in this way.”
Senate Bill 1072 designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the official State symbol of concern for and commitment to honoring and remembering the lives of all members of the United States armed forces who have lost their lives while serving or as a result of service and their families.
“As a Veteran of the US Marines, I have known many Gold Star family members,” states Rep. Kifowit. “It is my honor to have passed this bill to recognize the brave service members who have the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is befitting to have passed this legislation just before Memorial Day, a day when we honor our fallen heroes, the Honor and Remember Flag ensures we send a clear message to our Hold Star families that their loved ones’ sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Senate Bill 1072 received unanimous support in both chambers of the General Assembly, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.