Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gold Star Flag topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee moves to authorize Gold Star flag on state house grounds after amendment removes commercial flag
Summary
Lawmakers heard HB1332, amended to remove a commercial 'Honor and Remember' flag and instead permit only federally recognized flags (including the Gold Star flag) to fly on statehouse grounds and at the veterans cemetery; the committee reported a unanimous recommendation and members and veterans groups described practical flag‑pole and size limitations.
The committee opened HB1332 and heard testimony supporting an amendment that replaces a proposed 'Honor and Remember' commercial flag with the federally recognized Gold Star flag and that allows the governor to order it flown on state house grounds and at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery.
Representative Greg Hill, testifying as chairman of Legislative Administration, recited the committee report and explained the bill’s intent to center Gold Star families’ recognition rather than a commercially manufactured flag. Hill said the committee voted 10–0 and passed the amended bill on consent.
Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee and a long‑time Air Force veteran, told lawmakers that veterans objected to the 'Honor and Remember' flag because it can resemble foreign flags from a distance. He said veterans and Gold Star families support focusing the statute on federally recognized flags and making Gold Star Families Day—observed the last Sunday in September—a commemorative time on state property and the veterans cemetery.
Lawmakers also heard a technical constraint: Gold Star flags are typically produced only in a 3x5 size, which Representative Hill said would look inconsequential on the flagpoles above the state house and may require using a different flag pole on the grounds.
The committee closed the hearing after public comment and questions. The record shows the committee recommendation was unanimous in favor of the amendment to narrow the statute to federally recognized flags.
