Garbarino’s bill officially recognizes SAR flag as national awareness symbol

The Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) flag would gain specific designation under a bipartisan resolution proposed on Nov. 30 by U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY).

“Our service members put their lives on the line to keep America safe and often face difficulties when returning to civilian life, including physical and mental health challenges,” Rep. Garbarino said. “We need to stand by our veterans and members of the military and ensure that they have the support and quality care they deserve when they come home.”

House Resolution (H.Res.) 899, which Rep. Garbarino sponsored alongside five original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY), would designate the SAR flag as the nation’s symbol to raise awareness of military and veteran suicide and honor the lives and service of those United States service members and veterans who have died by suicide, according to a summary provided by the congressman’s staff.

“The reality of veteran suicide is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Rep. Garbarino. “This flag serves to recognize those who have died by suicide and as a reminder to those who are struggling that they are not alone.”  

Inspired by the POW flag, the SAR flag has a black background that represents mourning, a five-point gold star representing the five military branches, the silhouette of a military member symbolizing someone who has passed, and a memorial wreath with 20 leaves that represent the 20 veterans and active military members who die by suicide each day, the summary says, noting that the phrase “Honor The Fallen” stretches across the bottom of the flag.

“An officially recognized Suicide Awareness and Remembrance flag will honor the memory of those we’ve lost and recommit us to fight to end the crisis of veteran and military suicide and uphold our promises to those who serve our nation,” Rep. Ryan said.

The Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag Corp endorsed the resolution.