Honor and Remember
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| Honor and Remember | |
|---|---|
| Name | Honor and Remember |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Michael J. Dermody |
| Headquarters | North Andover, Massachusetts |
| Mission | To create a commemorative lapel pin for families of fallen service members |
Honor and Remember
Honor and Remember is a nonprofit organization established to honor the families of United States fallen service members through a distinctive commemorative lapel pin and related programs. The organization operates in the context of national commemorative efforts alongside institutions such as the United States Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Archives and Records Administration, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars while engaging with communities tied to events like the Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Operation Desert Storm, World War II, and ceremonies associated with the National Memorial Day Concert and the Presidential Inauguration.
Overview
Honor and Remember produces a lapel pin intended to be presented to next-of-kin and family members of military personnel who died in combat or as a direct result of hostile action, a mission that positions the organization among commemorative efforts comparable to the Gold Star Family recognition, the Purple Heart tradition, and programs of the United States Congress such as the Gold Star Lapel Button. The organization interacts with military institutions including the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard, and with veterans' service organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, and Fleet Reserve Association.
History
Honor and Remember was founded in 2007 by Michael J. Dermody in Massachusetts during a period shaped by public response to casualties from conflicts like the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and amid legislative and commemorative developments involving the United States Congress, the Department of Defense, and state veterans' affairs agencies such as the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services. Early activities connected the group to local civic partners including the American Legion Post, regional councils of the Boy Scouts of America, and municipal celebrations tied to observances like Memorial Day (United States) and Veterans Day (United States). Over time Honor and Remember coordinated presentations and ceremonies in venues such as state capitols, military bases including Fort Devens, and national events involving figures from the White House, members of the United States Senate, and delegations from organizations like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
Symbolism and Design
The design of the Honor and Remember pin incorporates emblems and colors that echo longstanding military and national symbols found in artifacts like the Purple Heart medal, the Medal of Honor, and the flags of the United States and individual states such as Massachusetts. The iconography draws parallels with commemorative devices used by institutions including the American Red Cross, the National WWII Museum, and memorial art found at sites like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Artistic choices reflect influences from heraldic traditions represented by families of service members commemorated in regimental histories such as those of the 1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division, and Marines who served in battles like the Battle of Fallujah and the Battle of Tora Bora.
Programs and Events
Honor and Remember conducts presentation ceremonies, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with organizations such as the National Guard Bureau, state adjutant generals' offices, local VFW posts, and nonprofit partners like the USO and Blue Star Families. Programs often coincide with national observances including Memorial Day (United States), Veterans Day (United States), and unit memorials for campaigns like Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and are presented alongside tributes by elected officials from the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. The organization has participated in commemorative events at venues such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, municipal veteran parades, and memorial dedications in cooperation with entities like the National Park Service and state historical commissions.
Organization and Funding
Structured as a nonprofit corporation, Honor and Remember operates with governance practices similar to veteran-centered nonprofits like the Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House Foundation, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, relying on private donations, grants, and partnerships with civic groups, service organizations, and corporate supporters. Funding mechanisms include individual contributions, fundraising events with partners such as local Rotary International chapters, collaborations with state veterans' offices, and occasional support or recognition from members of Congress and governors' offices. The group complies with nonprofit reporting norms analogous to practices seen in organizations such as the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.
Reception and Impact
Reception of Honor and Remember has been noted in local and national media outlets, recognized in ceremonies where officials from the White House, the United States Senate, state governors, and local mayors have participated, and acknowledged by families of fallen service members and advocacy groups such as the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Day organizers and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The organization's pin and ceremonies have been compared in public discourse to longstanding traditions associated with the Purple Heart and Gold Star observances, and have contributed to public remembrance practices during commemorative occasions like Memorial Day (United States), National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, and unit memorial services for campaigns such as the Global War on Terrorism.