HB1363, the Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act, would amend title 36 of the U.S. Code to formally designate the Honor and Remember Flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc. as an official national symbol honoring members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty. The bill states congressional findings that more than one million service members have made the ultimate sacrifice since the Revolutionary War and that there is currently no officially recognized symbol specifically acknowledging fallen members of the Armed Forces.
The bill would require the flag to be displayed on specified observance days, including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day. It also directs display at a set of federal and military locations, including the Capitol, White House, major war memorials, national cemeteries, certain Cabinet offices, major military installations, Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and U.S. Postal Service post offices. The measure further requires the responsible agencies to issue implementing regulations within 180 days and directs the General Services Administration to procure and distribute the flags within 30 days of enactment.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a new section in chapter 9 of title 36 of the U.S. Code and add the Honor and Remember Flag to the list of federally recognized patriotic symbols. It would impose display obligations on multiple federal entities and facilities, requiring agencies to ensure public visibility of the flag at designated sites and on specified days. The bill also includes a limitation stating that it cannot be interpreted to require employees to report to work solely to display the flag, and it would require federal procurement and distribution of the flags to support compliance.
Sentiment
The available context suggests broadly positive and commemorative sentiment around the bill, with the measure framed as a tribute to fallen service members and a way to provide national recognition for their sacrifice. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, and the bill was simply referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. The text itself emphasizes honor, remembrance, and public recognition rather than controversy or policy tradeoffs.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided transcripts or voting history, because none were included. Based on the bill text, any potential concerns would likely center on the administrative burden of implementing display requirements across federal facilities, procurement and distribution costs, and whether Congress should create a new official symbol for this purpose. However, the available record does not show any identified opposition or disputed provisions.
Supporting the designation of September 22 as "National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day" and recognizing the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag.