During a recent government meeting, Katie Schmidt, a Gold Star mother from Nixa, passionately advocated for the adoption of the Honor and Remember flag and the Honor and Sacrifice flag in the city of Ozark. Schmidt, whose son, First Class Andrew Rakesdell, was killed in action in Iraq in 2007, shared her personal story and the significance of these flags in honoring fallen military members.

Schmidt explained that the Honor and Remember flag serves as a universal symbol recognizing American servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The flag's design includes a red field representing the blood spilled by military personnel, a blue star symbolizing active service, and a gold star denoting those who will not return home. The white border signifies the purity of sacrifice, while the folded flag and flame represent the final tribute and the enduring spirit of the fallen.

Since the inception of the Honor and Remember flag, which was conceived after the loss of George Anthony Lutz in 2005, it has gained recognition across the nation. In Missouri, the flag was officially adopted by the state legislature in 2013 to honor military members and first responders.

Schmidt's request for Ozark to adopt these flags aims to show support for Gold Star families and ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. She noted that city officials in Nixa have already agreed to display the flags, and she hopes Ozark will follow suit, fostering a sense of community and remembrance for those who have served. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for Schmidt's poignant testimony and the sacrifices made by military families.