Parents receive Honor and Remember Flag

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va - A Gold Star family received the Honor and Remember flag Sunday from American Legion members. Member just named their Post in honor of Private First Class Lee Arthur Lewis, Jr.

The soldier from Hampton lost his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2005. Lewis' mother Elvena told WAVY.com, "We feel honored that we are to receive this flag in Lee's memory."

She, her husband and several relatives were guests of the American Legion Lee Arthur Lewis Post 1992. Members held a ceremony to recognize Lewis' sacrifice and present his parents with the flag.

"The red field represents the blood spilled by the brave men and women of America's history who willingly gave their lives," a Post member said during the presentation.

Second District Congressman Glenn Nye, (D) Virginia Beach, told the parents, "You represent many families across Hampton Roads and across this nation that have paid a high burden and sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. I want to say thank you for taking on that burden."

During the ceremony, a tearful Post Commander, Willard Smith said, "Me and the others who were in combat were very lucky our family didn't get one of these."

Nye acknowledged current realities of ongoing wars in the Middle East. "I support the president's decision to increase forces in Afghanistan... It's a difficult choice because we bare the burden here in Hampton Roads so heavily."

At the newly named Post 1992, the soldier's legacy will live on. His father, Ret. Lt. Col. Lee A. Lewis Sr., told WAVY.com the honor is shared with the thousands of other service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of country. "I'm sure that knowing my son he feels he represents them. This was not just about him," he said.