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By: Matt Campbell

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — A cross country tribute to veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice stopped in Grand Rapids Tuesday.

George Lutz, who founded Honor and Remember, presented Pamela Bird of Lowell with a personalized flag outside the Veterans Memorial this afternoon.

Her brother, Specialist Harold Harper, was just 20-years-old when he died in the Vietnam War.

Lutz wants that flag to be used across the country to recognize the lives lost during wars.

“I believe that we have been programmed to think that Memorial Day was our day for remembrance,” says Lutz. “For those families, friends, veterans who have lost so precious a life, Memorial Day is every day. They never forget.”

The state of Virginia has already adopted the flag. Lutz hopes every state will follow.

The flag will eventually travel to Lansing and then to the White House.

July 6, 2010

This morning headed to Grand Rapids, a three hour drive to the Veterans Memorial park in downtown. Karen and Charlie accompanied us to support Erin, Gold Star wife who was our point of contact and set up the ceremony. There was an overwhelming number of support from the Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard, coming together to help us give tribute to Pam Bird and her family in remembrance of her brother Harold Harper killed in Vietnam. It was a sincere honor to meet her family and do this for them. In the park I was able to share the vision to the group there as well as several news reporters.

News 13

Grand Rapid News

Also in attendance was the Vietnam widow who has been questioning the necessity for the Honor and Remember flag. I don’t think I convinced her of the importance but did convey  the passion of my mission and was grateful to have met her. Being endorsed by the Gold Star Wives of America and with a personal letter from their founder. I do know that the organization and the majority of its members believes this emblem to be important. Certainly no one should fly this who does not believe our fallen should be specifically remembered with their own symbol. However I believe this will be a national symbol and when its raised it will fly for all of our military heroes.

After the ceremony several of us shared a meal and told stories of our kids. Thanks Erin for arranging such a meaningful day.

Tomorrow: Six hour travel day to Indianapolis.

Blessings, George

by Lauren Amstutz
UpNorthLive.com

TRAVERSE CITY — It was an emotional day for local gold star parents.

They were presented with a Honor and Remember Flag at the VFW in Traverse City Monday. George Lutz, the founder of the flag is on a mission to make it a national symbol. He was at the ceremony and told families why the flag is so important.

Lutz says, “What it’s meant to do is be that emblem that when people look at this flag they realize that there is a price for freedom.”

Lutz has traveled to 14 states, each committed to making it a national symbol. He hopes Michigan lawmakers will do the same later this week.

Lutz says, “Our hope is that if we can establish it as a national symbol it will be flying everywhere then those families will be comforted knowing we do care, we do remember.”

The flag combines stars used by the military to represent service, an eternal flame and a folded American flag to evoke reverence and appreciation for those lives cut short. For the families of Sergeant Dillon Foxx and Sergeant Spencer Akers, who were given a flag, it means so much.

Don and Carol Akers say, “It was extremely special very special. Ours will fly on our flag pole.”

July 5, 2010

This morning after a nice IHOP breakfast with Lisa, Michael and Matt we headed on our next leg of our lengthy journey Traverse City. This is a seven hour over 300 mile trek. I had a unique and fantastic surprise because as we were driving I received a call from Mike, my friend and supporter from back home. (Mike was the one who with Dave brought us the RV last Monday) Mike was in MI and we  were able to meet for a soda along the route. It was great to see him as he had traveled up to visit relatives. Moving on we had a scheduled 530pm ceremony at the VFW post in Traverse City. We made it with plenty of time to spare and with about 30 in attendance had a beautiful ceremony in tribute to two special soldiers and their families.

Sgt. Spencer Akers, 35, of Traverse City, Michigan, died at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained in Habbaniyah, Iraq, on November 21, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Saginaw, Michigan. He died on December 8, 2005.Tony was killed 3 weeks later.

Sgt. Dillon Foxx, 22, of Traverse City, Mich.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Feb. 5, 2010 in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. This presentation was especially difficult as his loss was so recent for this amazing family.

NBC 7 & 4

Traverse City Record Eagle

One added note to tonight’s event was the presence of past friends Karen and Charlie Fredrickson. They were the sponsors of the 1/8 marine reunion last July 4th in DC. They live in this area of Michigan and helped put together tonight’s ceremony. It was a joy to see them.

Tomorrow: Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Rapids, 22 Sheldon Blvd. NE, 3pm.

Blessings, George

July 4, 2010

Woke up at the Wyndham in downtown Cleveland. The room was sponsored for us and a welcome rest after last nights game. We headed to Atwater United Methodist church where we were invited to speak by Gold Star mother Carey Meissner. Carey received a personalized flag last year from her VFW post and I was looking forward to finally meeting her. I was able to speak to the congregation for a few minutes and then met with everyone afterwards for a social time. The Murrays were also there who I had met yesterday. They were all very supportive and it was such an honor to meet two WWII veterans there. After lunch Alex and I headed north toward Michigan. Another 4 hour drive and now over the 5,000 mile mark.

Our journey took us to visit Lisa Schuster and Matt Drake. Two very special people in my life. I will elaborate later. However we had a great picnic with their family and a trip down the Maumee river. Tomorrow we are off to Michigan.

Tomorrow: Flag presentations VFW Post located at 3400 Veterans Drive in Traverse City.

Blessings, George

July 3, 2010

Special flag presentations today at the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park, Clinton, Ohio.  I was honored to speak at a wonderful ceremony amongst great patriots. During this time was privileged to present two personalized flags to three Gold Star sisters who lost their brother Cpl Richard Morgan in Vietnam in 1971 and to Mr and Mrs Murray who lost their son in Iraq on Nov 16, 2005. The attendance was overwhelming and the support strong for what we are doing to establish a tangible symbol of public remembrance.

Following the ceremony we were escorted, by Rolling Thunder Ohio Chapters two and eight, to Cleveland where the Cleveland Indians were recognizing Honor and Remember. We had a terrific night and the Jumbo Tron carried our message and website. we even were able to display the flag on the screen. Pictures to follow.

I also tonight had a wonderful surprise as a blue star mother who had been following our progress, actually came to the game to find us and did. With the thousands of people on attendance she found me specifically. It was a God thing like so many other blessings we have experienced.

Its been a long and tiring day and will try and rest for tomorrows activities.

Tomorrow: Speaking at Atwater United Methodist church, 930am and then on to Travers City, MI for monday.

Blessings, George

By STEVE WAINFOR
Published: July 02, 2010 NBC 4
COLUMBUS, Ohio — George Lutz lost his son while on patrol in Iraq in 2005.

During his grieving with family and friends, Lutz realized that there was not a national symbol representing those who gave their lives for their country. So he formed a cross-country campaign called Honor and Remember to visit all 50 states in five months.

“Our goal is to establish the Honor and Remember flag as a national symbol, recognizing all those that gave their lives for our country,” Lutz said.

Lutz was met by State Representative Joe Uecker at the Statehouse Friday. Representative Uecker was surprised that ideas like this have taken so long.

“It’s kind of unbelievable after 234 years that we do not have a symbol already,” Uecker said. Uecker is pushing to have the flag as a symbol for the state of Ohio as well.

Lutz feels that going state to state is what the campaign is all about.

“So it was important that we reach out state-by-state. Many states have decided that they wanted to adopt this symbol as their state symbol of remembrance. And so that is part of why this journey is so important,” Lutz said.

The flag’s colors and symbols were designed to represents the military over the decades. The folded flag emblem represents a life lost, while the eternal flame represents the spirit that has departed.

While in town, Lutz also visited the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, to try and spread the word and gain support for his effort. So far 20 states have some form of legislature in the works to adopt the flag. Virginia and Oklahoma have all ready adopted the flag as their state symbol.

Lutz has only been on the road a month now and still has a long way to go.

“I just hope that I do it justice for all of these families and for all these veterans that are with us now and that have gone before us,” he said.

If you would like to make a donation to Honor and Remember, you can go to www.honorandremember.org, and select “Donations.”

July 2, 2010

Today we drove 2 hours to Columbus where we had a scheduled press conference at the state house. This link will very succinctly tell the story as three networks covered the event.

following the conference we had a meeting with the Ohio Dept of Veteran Services, Asst Director Mr Espich and Ms Hernandez. We were met very favorably and will follow up latter next month.

Our travels then took us the next 2 hours to Strongsburg where we met John Hohne at his local VFW post. I had the opportunity to speak to a small group there with great support. John also showed us the phenomenal veterans memorial they constructed on the property. What an incredible accomplishment and tribute  to so many who have sacrificed so much for our country and the state of Ohio.

Tomorrow: Veterans Memorial, Clinton Ohio, 1pm, flag presentations. 7pm Cleveland Indians Honor and Remember night.

Needs: Please look over my itinerary and if you have contacts in states I am headed to please spread the word.

Blessings, George

July 1, 2010

Up early for an 830 interview today with Tony Macrini on WNIS 790am in Hampton Roads. This is a weekly interview each Thursday morning.  Following I worked on updating information on the journal and some record keeping. If I let things go too long I cant catch up easily. I did get a call from the truck service shop and we have to add calipers to the bill, and are now up to $1600.

Tom picked us up at noon for a radio interview on the Bill Cunningham show. Bill is a well known talk show host broadcasting to 20 states. It was a great interview and I hope to see support grow through this.  Later in the afternoon we picked up the RV and was told it was ready to go. I am so glad we have had these issues taken care of and feel more confident in moving forward. I pray we have no other issues ahead.

This evening Tom had planned a social event at the Great American Sports bar. This is a restaurant owned by Bill Cunningham and a percentage of the guest checks went to Honor and Remember this evening. We had a great turnout with many coming in to find out what the flag was about. Also attending was state Rep Joe Uecker as well as Harry Prestanski. It was a very successful night with a great amount of interest.

Tomorrow: 11am meeting at the state capitol, 7pm VFW meeting in Strongsburg.

Needs: Supporters to join us in MI and KY when we visit state capitols.

Blessings, George

June 30, 2010

This morning is a catch up day and we drove the RV over to the truck shop for preventative maintenance. After a few hours we were told that the rear brakes were completely worn out. The pads and calipers needed replacing as well as real oil seals. In other words we should not have been driving  at all let alone through the mountains of Kentucky and West Virginia.  God surely has His hand on our mission.

Honor and Remember formed an Ohio state chapter earlier this year and was honored to finally meet Ohio director Tom Mitchell.  Tom has been instrumental in setting in motion the activities for the state. Tonight he had organized a dinner with his staff, the mayor of Hamilton and State rep Courtney Combs.  I have to say that the dinner was in Hamilton and when I drove thru the city the Honor and Remember flag was flying high.It was good to meet Tom and the dinner went well with both officials supporting our efforts in the state.

Our time seemed short but the hour late before I made it home and crashed for the night.

Tomorrow: Morning radio interview with WNIS, Afternoon radio interview with Bill Cunningham and an evening social event at the Great American Sports bar.

Blessings, George

June 29, 2010 – Tuesday

After a short nights sleep we awoke to a completely flat tire. I tried driving it to the gas station but their tire pump would not fit it. I walked over to Walmart tire center but they couldn’t help. We had not yet activated AAA to we were a bit stuck, now just 2 hours before our 10 am ceremony at the capitol. Walmart suggested we try Sams club around the corner so we limped along to their shop. I am not a member there so was unsure what to expect. The two mechanics said they would take a look and ended up fixing the flat for us at no charge! We were on our way and in enough time to make our 10am ceremony.

We rolled into Charleston and were welcomed into the state parking lot. The Capitol building is absolutely beautiful with the dome coated with a gold overlay.  On the front steps of the state house we met Gold Star grandmother Emma Johnson and three other GS families for a small ceremony. Unfortunately there were no others in attendance. I had hoped for Patriot Guard presence or other veteran organizations or legislators. I had spoken to different groups but noone showed up, I was a little disappointed that these families had no support but each other.

Despite the turnout we all began to get to know each other better and I was was about to begin the presentation when who should walk up to us but the Governor himself.  He was a most welcome addition to our ceremony and read the certificate as we presented a personalized flag to Emma in tribute to her grandson Adam Crumpler.  After which the Governor signed our pledge and agreed to bring Honor and Remember to WVA.

After the ceremony we went into the capitol for a leisurely lunch and shared stories of our kids. It was great to spend time and get to know these families on a more personal level. There was a plaque dedicated to the GWOT heroes in one of the hallways and we visited that together. We met the State adminitrator a 20 year marine vet who also signed our pledge and welcomed us into his office for a visit.

About 1pm we headed to Cincinnati where we were going to stay with Mike and Char our friends from Virginia. The drive was a long and tedious one, 5 hours over the West Virginia and Kentucky mountains. We now had the RV so the ride was a bit different. The roads were steep and a little scary with such a large vehicle. We made it however and settled in for a wonderful dinner, good conversation and a restful sleep.

Tomorrow: RV going in for service, dinner meeting with Honor and Remember of Ohio, state director, Tom Mitchell.

Blessings, George

June 28, 2010 – Monday

Up early with a great breakfast from Becky. Headed to Stauton, VA where we will be picking up the motor home finally. We made a short stop in Winchester, VA to visit my sister in law and her husband, had a nice lunch and then off another 2 hours. We arrived about 4pm and met Dave R and Mike K who had brought us the RV. We then unloaded the car and inventoried our product onhand and after 3 hours sent the guys off with the 4runner. We had driven 3800 miles since we left June 7th.

Oh by the way our little present was a slow leaking tire which we were told we had to nurse til we got it fixed. Ha, I needed one more thing to think about. We headed toward Charleston WVA and made it in about 4 1/2 hours, 1230am. We found a Walmart parking lot and after a few purchases finally it the hay exhausted.

Tomorrow: Charleston state capitol ceremony.

Blessings, George

June 27, 2010 – Sunday

Attended the Shells United Lutheran Church this morning with Crist and Janet, Ryan and Becky. I was given the time to address the congregation for a few short minutes and share the vision of our mission. This is the the third Sunday I have been able to share so far. It was a small intimate congregation and the pastor was very gracious in allowing me to share her pulpit. The members were very welcoming and I was able to speak one on one after the service.

Following the service we had breakfast at the local VFW post where I met Tom the post commander. He is very influential in the state and was impressed by our efforts. He will be taking this to his state VFW and see that endorsements are forthcoming.

I found out that Crist and Janet volunteer at Hershey Park on a regular basis and they offered to provide us with two free tickets to the park. I knew we had a long drive that afternoon to the AGSM convention but felt  that it would be great to give Alex a few hours of downtime to unwind.  After 5 roller coasters and 5 hours of driving I either needed a chiropractor or a deep massage. I am too old for this. Actually I think one of the coasters realigned me.

After the park I caught up with supporter Bob Weaver, he is a post commander in the Lancaster area. He had presented a personalized flag earlier in the year and we have been trying to meet for some time.

We then drove on to the AGSM convention, another 100 miles to Plymouth meeting. I was so looking forward to their banquet because I have made so many new friends. And I am especially touched when able to present personalized flags. Today my trip was for just that, to honor Mrs Dorothy Oxidine and Mrs Vivian Sharver on the loss of their sons in Vietnam and Granada, respectfully. I was also able to meet up with Katie and Diana, who will be waiting for me in MO and KS as we get closer.

It was an extremely crammed day, full of intensity and accomplishments. The banquet lasted til past 11pm and we still had 100 miles back to Harrisburg before we slept.

Tomorrow: We head to Charleston WVA and on the way pick up the RV!

Blessings, George

June 26, 2010 – Saturday

Last night we  stayed at the crossroads motel for a restful night. Early in the morning we headed to the start of the PA Heroes Walk. This was the final 7 miles of the 342 mile walk to honor our wounded warriors and remember PAs fallen from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.

It was an impressive showing of walkers and a marvelous day. At the end of the walk was a nice picnic for all and we were able to set up a display table. It was pretty low key and I was able to make a few contacts including the co-founders of the wounded warrior project.

We headed out again later in the day headed back to Harrisburg where we planned on staying again with the Espenshades. Honestly the driving is all running together but I believe it was another 4 plus hours. This is now Saturday evening. Had a nice Italian dinner when we arrived and planned on attending church with the family on Sunday.

Tomorrow: Church, and then Philadelphia area for an evening with the American Gold Star mothers.

Blessings, George

June 25, 2010

Today began on the steps of the state capitol in Harrisburg, PA.  I was scheduled to meet Jack Cleary, Gold Star dad and father of Michael Killed in Iraq Dec 20, 2005. Just 9 days before my son Tony. Jack is a pillar of strength and it was truly an honor to spend some time with him sharing stories. I feel as if I connected to another family member and I know we will continue to reach out in the future. Back to the capitol steps, we were joined by his state representative Karen Boback, what a wonderful lady with an understanding heart, who truly “gets it”. Actually I found out she used to babysit Michael and watched him grow up. So she has a very special connection to the Clearys. We all walked down to the veterans memorial in from of the state house where I was able to present a personalized flag to Mr Cleary in a small but emotional ceremony.

Following the ceremony Rep Boback took us into the capitol building for a personal tour. Such history of that magnificent building. The original paintings depicting so much of Pennsylvania history are amazing. We were taken into the house chambers where the Speaker of the House read our visit into the permanent public record! Etching yet another place in the history of Honor and Remember. After which we were given the endorsement of the director of legislation that this remembrance flag would be written into PA law.  This day was immensely blessed.

As Alex and I were headed back to the car we received a call that the Governor had made himself available for our visit.  We rushed back to his office where he warmly welcomed us and even gave us a tour and explanation of the history in his office. After signing our pledge and taking a call from the world cup we thanked him and went on our way. A great day turned golden. Today we hit the 3,000 mile mark in our drive through 10 states.

Once Harrisburg was completed we headed west toward Pittsburgh for a 5 hour drive. We were invited to a small ceremony in Apollo, PA in honor of several Gold Star families. This was a part of the PA Heroes walk founded by Al Pulice. This past Memorial Day his group presented 5 personalized flags to local families. We arrived in Apollo around 530 pm and met Al and his team. There was a short ceremony where his walk team was introduced and a bench was dedicated to the the Gold Star Giordano family. Cindy had lost her son Michael in the war on terror and 14 months later her husband was killed in a car accident. There are so many terrible tragedies families must endure, it is truly heart breaking.

Tomorrow: PA Heroes Walk concludes with a scheduled walk and picnic Saturday in Apollo, PA.

Needs: Accommodations in Philadelphia/Valley Forge area for late tonight.

Blessings, George

June 24, 2010

Today is a catch up travel day. Several hours of correspondence on the computer and 6 hours of driving to our next destination, Harrisburg, PA. We have a wonderful place to stay in an old farmhouse here with Janet and Crist, married 52 years. We have been graciously received and warmly welcomed. We are grateful for their hospitality and to meet their grandson Ryan and his wife Becky. Arrived late Thursday and after a great cookout headed to rest.

Tomorrow: Flag presentation at the steps of the PA state capitol 10am.

Blessings, George

JEFFREY BLACKWELL • STAFF WRITER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE.COM • JUNE 24, 2010

The father of an American soldier killed in action in 2005 while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, is taking his cause on the road to establish an enduring symbol of sacrifice by the nation’s fallen heroes.

George Lutz, of Virginia Beach, Va., is traveling to all 50 states this summer to promote the passage of a federal law making the Honor and Remember Flag a national symbol of military men and women who have died while serving their country.

“I think the fallen need a flag, a public symbol that reminds us of their sacrifice,” he said.

Lutz made several stops in Rochester Wednesday to promote his cause, including the Veterans Outreach Center on South Avenue.

His son, Cpl. George A. Lutz II, was killed by a sniper on Dec. 29, 2005, two weeks after his 25th birthday.

His father said in the months following his son’s death, he and his family searched the house for cards, letters, e-mails and photographs of George. Lutz said he also contacted friends and comrades and asked then to share their memories of his son.

“I wanted to collect all the memories, because I know there would be no new ones,” he said. “I wanted anything that would give me one more moment of memory.”

The inspiration for the flag is the black and white POW/MIA flags that fly below the American flag on many poles across the country. Lutz said he wanted to create a symbol for fallen soldiers as enduring.

A bill in the House of Representatives (HR 1034) would establish the flag as a national symbol. So far he has received the endorsement of 15 states and hopes to receive all 50 by Veterans Day in November.

Lutz’s non-profit organization also presents flags to the families of fallen soldiers. Wednesday, the families of Spc. Gerald Wilson, killed in Vietnam in 1968, and Sgt. Nekl Allen, killed in Afghanistan in 2009, were presented flags before the Rochester Red Wings game at Frontier Field.

Lutz’s efforts have touched the parents of fallen soldiers. Nancy Fontana of Greece took a late lunch to speak with Lutz at the Veterans Outreach Center. Her son, Spc. Anthony Cometa, was killed in Iraq on June 16, 2005.

“I just think what he is doing is continuing to remember our boys and let us never forget the loss that we endured,” Fontana said. “I will have a whole pole full of flags so people don’t forget.”

JBLACKWELL@DemocratandChronicle.com

By: Scott Fairbanks | Rochester YNN

A tour remembering those who died serving our country with a special flag was in Rochester to honor two fallen soldiers.
“Honor and Remember” is an organization aiming to promote a new national symbol honoring all those who died in military service.

The group presented its flag to two area families before Wednesday’s Red Wings game.

One was for Gerald Wilson, who died when his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam. The second was for Staff Sergeant Nekl Allen, who died last year in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

“Honor and Remember” hopes a bill in Congress will pass, making its flag a national symbol.