At the joint hearing, proponents urged passage of a measure to make the Honor and Remember flag an official state symbol recognizing Gold Star families and fallen service members.

Brian Miller testified in support of the petition labeled "veil number 2500" and described the flag's purpose: to honor Gold Star families who lost a loved one in combat or to service-related causes. He said 29 states have adopted the symbol and asked Massachusetts lawmakers to make the Commonwealth the 30th.

George Lutz, the father of a soldier killed in Iraq and the founder of the Honor and Remember flag movement, testified emotionally about his son's death and the flag's origins. "What I continue to carry in my mind is that every parent in America would rather somebody else die for their country," Lutz said. He described unveiling the emblem on Memorial Day 2008 and said state recognition would be a visible acknowledgment to families who sacrificed.

Committee members thanked Lutz and other witnesses. No formal action was taken at the hearing; members indicated the testimony would remain part of the bill record.