Gold Star families press for official recognition of 'Honor and Remember' flag; committee seeks policy clarifications

Representative Mike Moffitt introduced House Bill 142, a measure that (as amended in the House) would designate the Honor and Remember flag as an official symbol to be flown at the State House on the last Sunday in September — the national Gold Star Mothers and Families Day — and would move New Hampshire’s observance to align with the federal date. The sponsor said the change would make state recognition consistent with the national observance and asked the committee to consider the single-day request rather than multiple flag days previously proposed.

Multiple Gold Star family members testified in support and described personal loss, the meaning of remembrance, and why an explicit state recognition matters. Witnesses included Jean Durgin, a Gold Star mother, and other family members who told the committee the Honor and Remember flag provides a continuing public marker for families who have lost service members. ‘‘There is no expiration date on honor,’’ one witness told senators.

Members of the House Legislative Administration Committee, which previously reviewed the bill, asked procedural questions and provided committee background. The General Court’s COO (Terry Poff) advised the committee there are statutory responsibilities split among legislative and executive bodies and that the joint legislative historical committee has authority over portraits and flag placement in some contexts; that division of authority means the bill’s placement language may need drafting fixes to avoid conflicting authorities. The State Veterans Advisory Commission expressed concern that the bill describe the Honor and Remember flag as an "official symbol" in place of using existing symbols, and the commission recommended a narrower or clarified approach. The Veterans Memorial Cemetery already displays the Honor and Remember flag in the memorial walkway, witnesses said.

Ending: Senators asked staff to resolve statutory responsibilities for flag placement and to examine whether the House amendment’s limited one-day recognition (and date change) is appropriate; the committee did not reach a final vote during the hearing and requested follow-up on drafting and administrative questions.