More than 20 flags lined a portion of Philadelphia Avenue over the weekend. These flags were held by Warriors’ Watch Riders to honor the memory of PFC Travis Zimmerman.
Private Zimmerman, of New Berlinville, died in Iraq in April 2006 while serving his country in Iraq. He was 19 years old.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Department of Pennsylvania Sons of Amvets presented Zimmerman’s family with the “Honor and Remember Flag” at Fairview Cemetery
Family, friends, and community members were joined by members of the Reading Motorcycle Club (RMC), Berks County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 131 and Rep. David Maloney.
The flag – heavy with symbolism – bears a red field with a blue and gold star, outlined with white. There is a flame within the star, and a folded flag below.
The red represents the blood spilled, the blue star represents active service in military conflict and the white border symbolizes the sacrifice made. The gold star stands for the ultimate sacrifice of a soldier in service who will not return home. The flame serves as the reminder and the folded flag represents the tribute to the individual.
In addition to the flag line and the flag presentation, the ceremony included an honor guard and rifle salute.
The RMC has named Travis’ step-mother, Betty Zimmerman, as their Gold Star mom. American Gold Star Mothers Inc. was established after World War I to support mothers of fallen soldiers.
Fairview Cemetery was chosen as the site for the ceremony since this is where the memorial GI Joe Bear for Private Zimmerman is located. According a 2006 article by The Mercury, the six-foot bear made its debut during the Hometown Heroes parade and ceremony in September of 2006.
Zimmerman was a 2005 graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High.
For more information about the “Honor and Remember” flag, visit www.honorandremember.org.
