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In a strong bipartisan move to memorialize one of the most defining tragedies in American history, the North Carolina House of Representatives has passed House Bill 236 [ [link removed] ], a bill titled “Remember 9/11 with Freedom Flag.” The legislation designates the Freedom Flag, created by the Freedom Flag Foundation [ [link removed] ], as an official state symbol of remembrance for the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The bill passed the House on March 21, 2025, with broad support from Republicans and many Democrats. However, the vote was not unanimous.
In a move that has drawn attention and criticism [ [link removed] ], 14 Democratic members voted against the bill, raising questions about partisan divisions even on matters of national remembrance.
NC Democrat “NO” votes:
Belk; G. Brown; Budd; Butler; Cervania; Crawford; Dahle; Greenfield; Harrison; Logan; Morey; R. Pierce; Prather; Turner
What the Bill Does
House Bill 236 adds a new section to Chapter 145 of the North Carolina General Statutes, formally recognizing the Freedom Flag as a symbol of the state’s “continued remembrance of American lives lost” during the 9/11 attacks.
The bill authorizes the Freedom Flag to be flown annually on September 11 alongside the United States and North Carolina flags at all public buildings and county courthouses across the state. Public officials and offices are also permitted to accept donations of the Freedom Flag to display by the bill.
Notably, the bill does not require state funding for flag procurement or mandate displays. It offers a framework for voluntary and symbolic participation by public institutions and officials.
The Symbolism Behind the Freedom Flag
The Freedom Flag, designed by a Virginia man just days after the attacks, includes multiple symbolic elements:
A white background represents the innocence of those lost.
A blue star symbolizing the Pentagon.
Five red stripes represent the Twin Towers and the five key sites attacked or impacted.
A white star for each life lost on the four hijacked planes.
A red flame symbolizes the fire and loss of life at the World Trade Center.
The Freedom Flag Foundation has worked since the early 2000s to have the flag adopted by states and public institutions nationwide as a means of education and remembrance.
Bipartisan Support—But Not Unanimous
Republican Representatives Ben Moss, Keith Kidwell, and Mark Ward sponsored the bill, which quickly advanced through the committee before heading to the House floor for a full vote.
While a majority of Democrats supported the bill, 14 members of the Democratic caucus voted against it. Their opposition has not yet been fully explained in public statements, but critics have pointed to increasing polarization even around unifying historical events like 9/11.
The move was met with frustration from conservative activists, who questioned how a vote to honor victims of terrorism could be seen as controversial.
A Moment of Unity—or Division?
Supporters of the bill emphasized that it offers North Carolinians an opportunity to come together, remember a solemn day in American history, and teach younger generations about the impact of 9/11.
“This bill is about unity, remembrance, and patriotism,” said Rep. Ben Moss during floor debate. “We owe it to the nearly 3,000 Americans who died that day, including firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens, to remember their sacrifice.”
Opponents offered little commentary during the debate, and no formal statements of objection were read into the record. This has fueled speculation that some dissenters may have objected to the Freedom Flag's broader political symbolism or wished to avoid memorial practices tied to national security policies enacted after 9/11.
Next Steps
Having passed the House, the bill moves to the North Carolina Senate for consideration. If passed and signed into law, it would go into effect immediately, allowing the Freedom Flag to be officially flown statewide this coming September 11, 2025.
Regardless of political disagreement, the bill marks an effort by North Carolina lawmakers to ensure the memory of 9/11 does not fade and that future generations recognize the significance of the attacks and the unity that followed. It provides schools with a visual tool to teach young North Carolinians about the gravity of that day and the resilience that defined America’s response.
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