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93-Year-Old WWII Navy Sailor Fights for National Flag to Honor Fellow Veterans

Jim Parks may be 93-year-old, but he isn’t slowing down. The former Navy sailor and World War II service member is on a mission to officially honor his fellow veterans. Parks, who has a passion for commemorating those who have given back to the United States of America, has created a flag that serves this very purpose — a symbol that he hopes to eventually see flying in all 50 states.

WWII Veteran Jim Parks Pushes for Veterans Remembered Flag

World War II Veteran Jim Parks (Image Credit: CBS News)

Parks, who pushes on despite health problems, has stated his surprise with the fact that there are already flags for each branch of the military and for individuals who are missing in combat. But the dearth of a more general symbol to represent the many individuals who have served has been a concern to him, so he has set out on a crusade to see that this alleged wrong is righted.

“Twenty-three million veterans that served our country: Don’t they deserve to have an emblem that represents them?, Parks recently asked. ”You always have to be optimistic. If it doesn’t work one way, try another way. So, I keep trying. I’ve come a long way in 10 years.”

WWII Veteran Jim Parks Pushes for Veterans Remembered Flag

Already, Parks is halfway to his goal, as 25 states have voiced support for the flag. The California state legislature was the first to take up the motion back in 2006 for what Parks has dubbed the “Veterans Remembered Flag.” The symbol, rather than singling out a specific group of servicemen and women, is intended to serve as a memorial for “past, present, and future veterans,“ while providing ”an enduring symbol to support tomorrow’s veterans today.”

The flag, which is green with a five-point star, includes the colors of red, white and blue inside of a ribbon with 13 gold stars:

WWII Veteran Jim Parks Pushes for Veterans Remembered Flag

While Parks and his supportive family have already had some victories in seeing states support the flag, The Press-Democrat has more about the challenges that remain:

The path to national recognition still presents political and administrative challenges, and Parks and his family hope they will get a champion in Congress to push through adoption of the flag. [...]

Parks and his family hope demonstrations of support in a majority of U.S. states will spur action on the federal front through the congressional Veterans Affairs Committee, whose former chairman and ranking Democratic member, Rep. Bob Filner, D-Chula Vista, they met with several years ago.

“Those veterans should be recognized and that would be accomplished simply by making this a national emblem,” Parks proclaims.

Watch Parks explain his goals, below:

Comments (39)

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  • MONICNE
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 10:45am

    Old Glory is the One Flag of the US, always will be, but recognition banners and unit flags are a great American tradition, and always will be.

    If you have ever attend a patriotic national event where there is a color guard, (such as Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery yesterday) you should be prepared to see individual banners for each Military Service and Department, many times with battle ribbons, and flags for each Territory and State of the Union, and flags for Veteran’s groups such as the Gold Star Mothers, POW/MIA, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans of America, (and ALL their Women’s Auxiliary) Flags.

    And yes, the Boy Scouts, the Reserves and National Guard, the individual services junior ROTC and ROTC, Young Marines, Sea Scouts, Girl Scouts and too many organizations to list proudly fly their flags at appropriate times and places.

    These flags and banners touch a special chord with various patriotic contributors, and give instant recognition that it takes diversity, cooperation, and broad sacrifice to be the greatest country of earth!

    Lighten Up!

    1600 POW and MIA. Never Forget

    Report Post » MONICNE  
  • epicwinofgod
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 10:41am

    Because he is an elder and very old, I won’t hammer on this man like I do with Gay Pride flags and such. But I will kindly say, no thank you. We have enough flags. We have too many flags. Perhaps that’s apart of the problem, thus it’s not a solution therefore I disagree with his views. I would ask him why he dwells upon his life as a veteran, but I‘d fear it’s all he has. He needs Christ, not a flag.

    Report Post » epicwinofgod  
  • cruzinbill
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 7:39pm

    Jim Parks send me that flag and i will fly it with honer.

    Report Post »  
    • antiprogressive
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 3:55am

      I can appreciate what he is trying to do – since all branches of the military have different symbols representing them – but isn’t Old Glory what all true Americans are fighting for?

      Isn’t that the ONE symbol for all?

      I have never served in the military – and therefore don’t belong to that well honored group –
      and I greatly respect you because of your service…

      But another “layer” of separation AWAY from Old Glory doesn’t seem like the answer.

      You and yours are the EPITOME of the American Flag.

      A separate flag almost makes me feel like you don’t feel like YOU are a part of US.
      You want more separation FROM us – the regular working Joes that produce while you protect.

      Further – and this is the worst part as I see it – who WILL and WILL NOT be allowed under that flag.

      What about the USO?
      The women factory workers that BUILT your machinery in WWII?
      National Guard?
      ROTC?
      Boy Scouts?
      Girl Scouts?
      Volunteer Poll Workers?
      The list is endless…

      Or do you have to be shot at to get under the flag?
      What about all those official military personnel that served in peace times and never fired a single round or saw combat?

      Lawsuits will abound.

      Saying that a true patriot who didn’t “serve” isn‘t deserving is kinda like saying your wife doen’t have a “job” just because she doesn’t get paid to raise your 5 children and you are never at home and not involved in their upbringing…
      She is more deserving that you know.

      Living/dying f

      Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:57pm

    What is wrong with a flag that honors a military member who served? The American Flag, which represents everyone, does not show whether the person served? Whereas, this flag honors those who served. Of cousse it will be flow below the American Flag. I think it is a great honor.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • FedUpAlready
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:57pm

    We’re going to have all we can do, to defend having a US Flag at all, with all this sucking up to the UN.
    We’re being defeated from within, our Liberties, Rights and Freedoms are being erroded. I know the idea, is meant to be altruistic, and, I appreciate this Vets service, but, it still remains the RED, WHITE, and, BLUE , symbolizes what we fought for, and, flies all around the world, over the graves over our fallen heroes.

    Report Post » FedUpAlready  
  • guntotinsquaw
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 2:54pm

    My Grandfathers and uncles and cousins and Godfather would roll over in their graves. They fought for her and some of them died for her, Old Glory is their flag, no other will fly above them.

    Report Post » guntotinsquaw  
    • woodyb
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 5:46pm

      AMEN TO THAT — no offense to the atheists out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Dad_KoC_Doc_Col
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 1:47pm

    Thank you, but no…green is the color of Islam.
    Only the Stars and Stripes, please.

    Report Post »  
  • Bigrod58
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 1:39pm

    I spent seven years in the Air Force during the Viet Nam era. I served under a Red White and Blue Flag. No way I will ever respect that red white and green rag.

    Report Post »  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 1:32pm

    We should be flying the Gadsden flag and rebuilding the twin towers.

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • daxbrady
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 1:24pm

    This is a guy that is trying to leave behind some kind of legacy… Thanks for your service, but we already have a national emblem.

    Report Post »  
  • daxbrady
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 1:20pm

    we already have a national emblem. that you for your service.

    Report Post »  
  • burnbabylon
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 12:43pm

    Thirteen stripes of red and white
    stars on a field of blue
    A nation we love and honor
    that’s enough, thank you

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 11:41am

    Especially at THIS time INSIDE America where we AMERICANS are fighting against the communist and islamic no-longer-covert absolute take-over of our nation, we all should be 100% behind ONE FLAG.. the AMERICAN Flag.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 11:37am

    OLD GLORY is the flag that already honors all American Military esp who fought and died to defend what it symbolizes..the WWII veteran is well-intentioned ….but out of touch… the islamic terrorist color GREEN should be nowhere near OUR American Flag.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • TxSon
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 11:14am

    I’m not opposed to the idea of a memorial flag that specifically honors the fallen but this design stinks on ice. Then again, I will not miss the absence of a memorial flag either.

    Report Post » TxSon  
  • Shifty6
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 11:08am

    You guys make a good point. We are the United States of America, and we have a national symbol. At first I thought, this was a decent idea, then realized, it is catering to the minority. Yes they should be honored, but that is done with “Old Glory”.

    Report Post »  
  • Reagan_Patriot
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:36am

    California supporting this proves how dumb this really is. I think the real intent here is to “replace” old glory.

    America is a nation of inferior flags fluttering under the United States flag… the only one that matters… the one that all men and women who serve salute, parade, and afford highest national respect. It is the flag they fight for, die for, the flag that drapes the coffins of fallen HEROS (screw MSNBC!) and is the only flag that unites all americans.

    This “green weenie” is a sorry disgrace. Just because a veteran designed it doesn’t make it a good idea.

    Report Post »  
  • OutlawJoseyWales
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:07am

    I LOVE the idea, I don’t like the GREEN part. Green is a symbol of the leftest takeover via environmentalism. WHY GREEN? Why not use a color that is considered part of our nations colors?

    The reason I support an actual “flag symbol” for those who served is to get rid of that black pow/mia flag that Viet-vets put everywhere. I UNDERSTAND why our viet-vets use that flag. But, something needs to change. We, as a nation, need to move on from the pop-culture fools, worthless hippies, trashy no-good demoncrats, and Hanoi-Jane type creeps who got us ALL dishonored in Vietnam. Time to move on.
    This is a good way to do it.

    Report Post »  
    • lothlorien
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 1:55pm

      It is an ugly green, but I believe this color green is more olive drab which is the color of the fatigues the troops wear. Perhaps that’s why this particular coloration. I thought the “leftist green” color is a brighter green. I’d also like to see the ribbon following behind the big star rather than leading it. That way when it was flying, it would like the ribbon was trailing the star.

      Report Post » lothlorien  
  • Msgt Ret
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 9:25am

    I have mixed feelings about this flag, I fought and served for one flag and one flag only. Mr. Parks quest is noble; however, I feel all veterans should rally around one flag and continue to fight for “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”

    On this May 28th, God bless all our fallen military men and women!

    Report Post » Msgt Ret  
    • travlman77
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 9:55am

      I do fly and honor one flag, “Old Glory” but I look at it as more of a chance for those of us who did not serve to show an additional level of reverence and respect for those who sacrificed so much for me and my family. I want my fellow countrymen that served my country to know that they are remembered, loved and appreciated.

      Report Post » travlman77  
    • travlman77
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:13am

      “veteransrememberedflag.com”.

      Report Post » travlman77  
    • cykonas
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:41pm

      Thank you for your service MSGT RET. And your wisdom.

      Report Post » cykonas  
  • DAJ
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 9:06am

    No thank you. As a service member Old Glory will remain my flag, I do not need this one.

    Report Post »  
  • cykonas
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 8:19am

    I’m really torn on this story because I am 100% sure that Mr. Parks’ intentions are nothing but noble. My reservation is a slippery slope argument. If this happens what next? Do we need a separate flag to honor Black veterans? How about female veterans? I wish I could believe that these things would not ensue, but I can’t for some reason.

    How about we all unite under the one flag that already is our National Symbol? Remember the word indivisible in our Pledge.

    Report Post » cykonas  
  • yathink
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 8:04am

    This man Mr. Jim Parks comes from a time when serving others was what the Old US was all about. His Flag of Remembrance should be raised high in every state. My State of Florida was not on the list, well will see about that! I challenge anyone who’s state has not participated in this simple honor of our vets. To give them there own Flag of Remembrance. Lets fill that map. I start today with a letter to my Governor Rick Scott. God bless Jim Parks and all who served and gave all for this Great Nation.

    Report Post » yathink  
    • yathink
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 8:46am

      I fired off a letter to Rick Scott Governor of Florida to consider adoption of this flag here in my home state.
      Who’s Next? The powers that be would like to twist and manipulate history into an unrecognizable memory. Fight back with your Fortune, Honor and Life if need be. For the unborn generations to come.

      Report Post » yathink  
  • Eric
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 8:03am

    There’s a reason that they call these men “The Greatest Generation.” They were called to war as young men. They fought valiantly. They witnessed gruesome death every second of the day for a few years. They did what was asked of them and they were victorious. And if that wasn’t enough, they came home to the USA and built up the mightiest and freest country that man has ever known.

    If you’ve ever had the honor of talking to these men, you know they take no credit for what they did. It has taken them years to open up and actually talk about their true heroism, but thank God they did. I’ve made the mistake of referring to their actions as heroic to their faces, and I quickly learned that these men get angered at the notion of that. They were simply doing their duty to their country. It was inconceivable to them that there was any other option.

    I for one will be praying that Jim Parks can realize his goal of all 50-states flying his remembrance flag before he passes to Heaven. It’s sad to realize soon that these men are almost all gone now. Unlike the current generations, these men and women will go down in history as true legends. Their legacy will undoubtedly be remembered forever.

    Report Post » Eric  
  • thorkyl
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 7:43am

    Where can I order mine?
    I want one, only if it is made in the US of A

    Report Post » thorkyl  
    • travlman77
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 9:29am

      I agree, where can the flags, bumper stickers and pins be purchased?
      Sales would be a great way to finance this cause.

      Report Post » travlman77  
  • HiJenx
    Posted on May 28, 2012 at 7:36am

    This is an idea that is beyond GREAT!

    Report Post » HiJenx  
    • xmilitary
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 9:45am

      I recently retired from the US Army and my flag is red, white and blue. This idea is asinine.

      Report Post »  
    • Reagan_Patriot
      Posted on May 28, 2012 at 10:38am

      “I recently retired from the US Army and my flag is red, white and blue. This idea is asinine.”

      Ditto.

      Report Post »  
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