A father's nationwide effort to remember fallen heroes has been controversial in Michigan.
George Lutz is pushing for states to officially recognize a flag that honors military members who've lost their lives. However, he says some people have contacted him, questioning why it's needed. On Wednesday, a state Senate committee will hold a hearing on the issue.
"Ten years ago, I lost my son in Iraq," says George Lutz, founder of Honor and Remember. He points out there's always a place in a father's heart to remember. Now, he hopes Michigan's government can make room to remember, too.
"Every mother and father in America would rather somebody else's child die for their country," says Lutz. "Somebody else's loved one is dying for their country, and the very least we can do is say, 'Thank you.'"
Lutz founded Honor and Remember eight years ago. It's an effort to get all 50 states to officially recognize a flag to remember military men and women who were killed.
If approved in Michigan, government buildings would be allowed to fly the flag.
However, Lutz, who is based in Virginia, says he's in Michigan partly because of a controversy over the issue.
"We've had a little bit of friction," says Lutz. "Some are concerned we could be replacing the American flag in some way or another, but yet, how could you replace your nation's symbol?"
"I hope our legislator votes in favor of it; it puts a face to statistics," says Karl Price. In 2012, Price's son Daniel, a Marine gunnery sergeant, was killed in Afghanistan.
During a special ceremony on Friday, Karl Price was given the Honor and Remember flag, "keeping the sacrifice that our son made out in front of the public," he says.
SpartanNash stores have taken a clear stance on the issue. The major chain's military division delivers to U.S. commissaries and exchanges around the world.
"We put it [the Honor and Remember symbol] on the back of our trucks that travel 53 million miles a year; we are flying it at all of our corporate stores in ten states," says Meredith Gremel, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications for SpartanNash.
"We've never had a symbol that recognizes and appreciated the lives given for the price of freedom," says Lutz.
The state's Veterans Affairs committee will hear the issue at 8:30 on Wednesday morning in Lansing.
For more information on the Honor and Remember program, go to www.honorandremember.org.