Community Corner

Parks Honored for Veterans Flag, Service

The World War II veteran was documented on CBS for his battle to pass a veterans flag.

 

Resident and WWII vet Jim Parks celebrated his birthday Sunday in front of millions of Americans, as the centerpiece of a CBS documentary on his quest for veteran recognition. 

The segment covered Parks, 93, in his quest to endow the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sonoma, and his passion for a new flag representing veterans. Watch the full video on the CBS website here.

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“Those veterans should be recognized and that would be accomplished simply by making this a national emblem,” Parks told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Designed by Parks and David Wishingrad, another World War II and Sonoma Valley resident, the green flag features a five-point star of red, white and blue.

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Parks is still battling to gain recognition for the unofficial flag, according to the Press Democrat:

Officials in a 25 states have voiced support for the flag since the California state legislature unanimously adopted its own 2006 resolution requesting adoption of the Veterans Remembered Flag. It would “memorialize and honor all past, present, and future veterans and provide an enduring symbol to support tomorrow's veterans today,” the resolution said.

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.

Air your support, purchase and find out more about the Veterans' Remembered flag here.


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