George Lutz lost his son Tony and he created a flag to honor and remember his legacy.
December is a difficult month for Lutz. Hidden in the holiday cheer for six years has been sadness over his son's sacrifice for the war in Iraq.
"Weeks from now will be the anniversary of his death,” says Lutz.
On December 29th, 2005, sniper fire ended Tony’s life.
“It's an amazing personality that it takes to put yourself in harm’s way for complete strangers and that was the type of man Tony was,” says Lutz.
But this December is different.
After nearly 9 years and thousands of American and Iraqi lives lost, today marks the official end to the war in Iraq.
“Each one of those lives, each one of those families need to be remembered in a very special way,” says Lutz.
It's that belief that led him to create the honor and remember flag, a specific symbol to keep the memories of the fallen alive.
Since Tony’s death, George has dedicated his life to making it a national symbol.
“I've taken on something that will honor him and his comrades for the rest of eternity,” says Lutz.
States are flying the flag and now several more are getting on board.
“I see it flying and it's just an amazing rush of pride,” says Lutz.
For him, forgetting is impossible.
He prays even though the war is over, the nation will always honor and remember the sacrifice.
