Gregory
Freshman state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, introduced a bill “to pay tribute and to our fallen heroes and their families” by having “the Honor and Remember flag to be flown at state and local government buildings.”
Gregory, who served two decades in the Air Force, explained why he thought state and local government buildings should have the flag which honors fallen military personnel. The bill “requires that the flags be manufactured in the United States, but does not require an agency or local government to purchase the flag.”
“As a veteran, I’m proud to file this bill to honor the servicemen and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to pay tribute to the families they left behind,” said Gregory on Tuesday. “With over 20 states already recognizing the Honor and Remember Flag, this is part of a national effort that Florida must be a part of. I believe flying this flag will be an important part of our state becoming the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
“This is personal to me,” he added. “It’s so easy to take the freedoms we enjoy for granted, and it is vital for us to recognize the men and women who pay the ultimate price so that we can enjoy those freedoms. The Honor and Remember flag’s design is distinctive, yet simple. Each detail on the flag symbolizes an important part of the sacrifice of those who have died, and it is fitting that we display it as a symbol of appreciation to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
The bill was sent to the Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee; Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee; and State Affairs Committee. State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, will push the bill over in the Senate.
“I look forward to our state adopting this flag as a symbol of unwavering support and commitment to honoring the American men and women who courageously paid the ultimate price in service to our county, and the families who continue to pay that debt,” Gregory said.
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