SR 121

SR121:v99#DOCUMENT

Bill Start

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Resolution

No. 121

Relative to the Killed in Action flag.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SR 121, as introduced, Alvarado-Gil.

Digest Key

Bill Text

WHEREAS, The freedoms enjoyed by the people of the United States and the State of California have been preserved through the courage, sacrifice, and devotion of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 340,000 to 345,000 United States service members have been killed in action since World War I; and

WHEREAS, Californians have served in every major conflict in United States history, and an estimated 22,000 to 23,000 have been killed in action from these conflicts; and

WHEREAS, The State of California suffered approximately 1,932 combat-related fatalities during World War I, more than 17,000 combat-related deaths during World War II, 1,743 confirmed killed in action during the Korean war, thousands of combat-related deaths during the Vietnam war, and more than 500 service members killed in action during the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan following September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, The Killed in Action flag was created in the State of California in 1993 through a grassroots effort led by combat veterans and veteran motorcycle riders seeking to establish a public symbol dedicated to members of the armed forces who gave their lives in combat; and

WHEREAS, The creation of the Killed in Action flag arose from the recognition that service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action are honored under the nationally recognized Prisoners of War or Missing in Action flag, while those who were confirmed killed in action lacked a separate and universally recognized symbol dedicated to their sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, The Killed in Action flag bears the words “killed in action,” “the brave and the free,” and “America remembers,” reflecting the nation’s enduring obligation to honor fallen service members and preserve their memory for future generations; and

WHEREAS, The Killed in Action flag has been embraced by veterans’ organizations, military families, Gold Star families, patriotic organizations, and local governments throughout the United States as a meaningful tribute to those who died defending this nation; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, New Jersey became the first state to formally recognize and require the display of the Killed in Action flag over the New Jersey State House and municipal buildings pursuant to New Jersey Senate Bill 1497 (Chapter 188 of the Statutes of 2017), signed into law by Governor Chris Christie; and

WHEREAS, The people of the State of California have a longstanding tradition of honoring veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star families, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and democracy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate honors and recognizes the Killed in Action flag as an emblem of sacrifice, remembrance, and respect for members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed in combat; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate encourages the voluntary display of the Killed in Action flag at the State Capitol Building, upon state and local public buildings, at veterans’ memorials, schools, civic institutions, and private residences throughout the State of California as an expression of remembrance and gratitude for those who gave their lives in service to the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate encourages Californians to observe appropriate occasions, including, but not limited to, the last Monday of May for Memorial Day, November 11 for Veterans Day, July 4 for Independence Day, and military remembrance ceremonies, by displaying the Killed in Action flag in honor of the fallen; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to veterans’ service organizations throughout the State of California.