Hunterdon County plans KIA honor flag renewal ceremony at historic courthouse on October 7
Veterans and the Public Are Invited To Attend
FLEMINGTON, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A refreshed Killed In Action (KIA) Honor Flag will be raised at a special ceremony outside of the County’s Historic Courthouse in Flemington, on October 7 at 3:00pm, according to Hunterdon County Commissioner Zachary T. Rich.
Commissioner Rich, who serves as the Board’s Veterans liaison along with Board Director Susan J. Soloway, said, “A respectful ceremony is being planned for the raising of the refreshed KIA Honor Flag which will recognize all of the nation’s military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. October 7th has been chosen because it is the 20th anniversary of the commencement of the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, America’s first response to the 9-11 terrorist attack twenty years ago.”
“Over 2400 American service members paid the ultimate price in Afghanistan, including the final thirteen killed in action last month at the airport gate in Kabul, as they protected American diplomats, citizens and Afghan allies attempting to leave the country. Whatever you may think of the beginning or the end of that war, our troops, all volunteers, did their jobs. They risked their lives, and some lost their lives, while protecting our nation. Their valor, dedication, and courage deserve to be honored and remembered,” Rich said.
“During the KIA Honor Flag renewal ceremony on October 7th, Hunterdon County will honor those killed in action on August 26, 2021 in Kabul, and throughout the war in Afghanistan, and in all wars fought to protect American freedoms and our way of life,” Rich said.
Hunterdon County Veterans and Veteran Organizations, as well as the public, are invited to the KIA Honor Flag Ceremony.
Board Director Soloway said, “I have been most interested in determining a solemn manner for the county to honor the thirteen service members killed by a terrorist bomber in Afghanistan last month. I believe it is most appropriate to do so at the KIA flag raising ceremony, that has so much meaning, as we honor all who lost their lives defending the nation.”
The KIA Honor Flag was developed in 1993 and has been a symbol of military men and women who lost their lives defending the nation. New Jersey law requires that a KIA honor flag be displayed in front of every principal municipal and county building.
The Hunterdon County Commissioners have offered a KIA Honor Flag to all county municipalities and Veteran organizations for appropriate display. Each flag purchased by the county helps provide funds to Gold Star families and provides those families comfort knowing their loss is not forgotten.
Municipalities and Veterans Organizations wishing to refresh their KIA Honor Flag are still able to receive a complimentary flag from the county and should contact Ruthi Cass at 908-788-1104, or via email, rcass@co.hunterdon.nj.us for information.
