House Bill 427 officially recognizes the Honor and Remember
Flag to be flown at state and local government buildings
as a reminder of those who have given their lives for our country
Representative Tommy Gregory filed House Bill 427 to pay tribute and to our fallen heroes and their families. The bill will officially recognize the Honor and Remember flag to be flown at state and local government buildings. A Senate companion has been filed by Senator Joe Gruters.
“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. “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. 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.”
HB 427 has been referred to Local, Federal and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee; Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee; and State Affairs Committee. 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.
“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,” continued Gregory.
Gregory is currently serving his first term representing House District 73, which includes parts of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. He serves as a member of the Judiciary Committee and the Civil Justice Subcommittee. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel and member of the JAG Corps.