NAPOLEON once observed that “A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.” Indeed, colored cloth military decorations have long inspired prodigious and brave efforts on behalf of countries, causes, or flags. Today such efforts occur not only on battlefields by soldiers but also in New Hampshire legislative hearing rooms by mothers — Gold Star Mothers.
A Gold Star mother (or father) is someone who lost a son (or daughter) in a military conflict. After World War II America tragically claimed almost half a million Gold Star families. It’s a group that no one wants to join, a cursed club into which members are thrust by fate.
Families keep Gold Star memories and spirits alive in various ways, via monuments, photographs, reunions, and by naming newborns after lost heroes. And also, via flags. Most prominently the American flag, of course, but also by other banners as well.
One such banner is the “Honor and Remember Flag,” created by Gold Star Father George Lutz after his son, Tony, was killed by a sniper in Iraq in 2005 The H&R Flag can be emblazoned with the name of a lost hero, if a family so desires. Most states have officially sanctioned and recognized the H&R Flag as a standard to keep memories and spirits alive. But New Hampshire has not.
For years Granite State Gold Star families unsuccessfully sought legislative sanction for their colors. Ironically, while most citizens certainly sympathize with Gold Star families, a segment of our veteran community is discomforted by the H&R Flag and successfully prevented New Hampshire from joining other states in recognizing the banner in statute. “All we need is the American flag,” is an oft-repeated refrain.
“Veterans don’t want this flag” claimed a prominent former Marine, who helped block legislative efforts to recognize the flag. The truth is many — probably most — veterans are fine with the H&R flag. Opponents claim that flag recognition allowing it to occasionally fly over the State House would set a precedent, allowing for other emblems to be hoisted in Concord.
But a process has already sanctioned other flags, such as the POW flag, as well as our service flags. For example, the Marine Corps standard flies above our State House every November 10 — the Marine Corps Birthday. Flags for me, but not for thee, it appears.
To be sure, some H&R flags also recognize veterans later lost after surviving wounds both physical and psychic. Opponents of the flag regularly blocked Gold Star moms in the New Hampshire House. So, years ago supporters submitted the measure through the state Senate, where it passed unanimously — only to be again stymied by the lower body.
This year’s flag bill, HB 142 , which I was proud to sponsor, again received a negative House committee recommendation and went to the House floor where there was a motion to table. That’s when Gold Star dad Skip Rollins, R-Newport, successfully spoke against said motion. Debate followed and a floor amendment was approved that simply called for the flag to fly once a year on Gold Star Mothers and Families Day in September.
Families rejoiced when the full House finally voted to send it on to the Senate. At a subsequent Senate hearing, several Gold Star moms pleaded with solons to fairly consider the H&R flag. One mom testified while clutching her son’s flag as many tears were shed.
At this writing it remains uncertain as to whether or not HB 142 will finally get to the governor’s desk. One concern involves the protocols and logistics of raising a new flag. My response: Consider how the service flags are hoisted.
The Air Force flag gets its moment on Sept. 18. Just hoist the H&R flag the same way on the same pole on Gold Star Mothers and Families Day on Sept.
28. That assumes the state Senate gives the measure a chance. HB 142 is a truly bipartisan bill, with sponsors from both parties and from both legislative bodies, who hope for a chance to come together to honor, remember, and commemorate.
And while our Gold Star moms may not be as strong as Napoleon’s soldiers, they are no less brave..
Politics
Rep. Mike Moffett: Gold Star flag is no slight to Old Glory

NAPOLEON once observed that “A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.”