This week the Rotary Club of Newport News welcomed George Lutz. George’s story is one that no parent ever wants to hear. In 2005, George learned that he had lost his son while he was serving his country in Iraq. As a result, George found his new purpose in life and became the founder and executive director of Honor and Remember Inc., a non-profit organization that perpetually recognizes our fallen Military heroes and their families.
Through the creation of Honor and Remember, it’s the organization’s mission is to establish a public national symbol that recognizes with gratitude and respect every man and woman that died in military service to America. Further goals include broad national awareness and education of the flag’s meaning and importance. They also present personalized Honor and Remember Flags to the immediate families of all our nation’s fallen.
The meaning and symbolism of the flag
The Red Field represents the blood spilled by brave men and women in America’s military throughout our history, who willingly gave their lives so that we all would remain free.
The Blue Star represents active service in military conflict. This symbol originated with World War I, but on this flag, it signifies service through all generations from the American Revolution to the present day.
The White Border beneath and surrounding the gold star recognizes the purity of sacrifice. There is no greater price an American can pay than to give his or her life in service to our country.
The Gold Star signifies the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active service who will not return home. Gold reflects the value of the life that was given.
The Folded Flag signifies the final tribute to an individual life that a family sacrificed and gave to the nation.
The Flame is an eternal reminder of the spirit that has departed this life yet burns on in the memory of all who knew and loved the fallen hero.
You can find the Honor and Remember flags outside of numerous buildings throughout the Nation and in Virginia. For example, the Honor and Remember flag is flown at every rest area along Virginia’s highways and outside the Department of Motor Vehicle offices.
Thank you, George, for sharing your touching journey with our club.
Our newest member!
Club President Tim Ryan, Aimee Gooch and her sponsor Woody Andrews
The Rotary Club of Newport News also officially welcomed Aimee Gooch as our newest member. Aimee is a commercial banker with Old Point National Bank, and she looks forward to getting more involved with our community. We look forward to having Aimee as part of our club!
If you want to get more involved with Newport News and improve the community, you’re invited to join us for an upcoming lunch. We meet every Tuesday from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the James River Country Club. Each week we feature a community leader as a speaker so you can learn more about the great area in which we live. We also mix in a lot of fun and community projects along the way to make an excellent experience for everyone! Let us know if you’re planning to attend a meeting so we can welcome you properly.
