Sparks, NV - For many Americans, President Obama's speech on Tuesday signals an end to the U.S. combat forces mission in Iraq. But two families who lost sons there say their mission - to remind others never to forget our fallen heroes - will go on.

"He was 25. had a wife and two children and liked what he was doing, like so many of our sons and daughters." George Lutz got choked up as he spoke about his son, George "Tony" Lutz II, who was killed by a sniper's bullet in Iraq five years ago.

"Tony had a word for everything. And that word was usually 'sweet,' " he fondly remembered.

To honor Tony's memory, George Lutz is touring the country in a motor home with a mission: to promote a flag he designed.

"Honor and Remember is a flag that was created to be a national symbol - honoring and recognizing all of those who gave their lives in military service to our country," Lutz said.

On Wednesday, he will present a flag to Nevada's governor. Lutz lives in Virginia, but he's visited 36 states so far on his tour. He's staying in Sparks this week with Christi Larsen, a friend who understands his loss. Her son, PFC Cole Larsen, was killed in Baghdad in 2004. He was 19 years old.

"He actually signed up at the age of 17. He served a little over a year before he was killed," said Larsen.

For many, President Obama's speech on Tuesday signals an end to the U.S. combat forces mission in Iraq.

But these two Gold Star families say their mission - to remind others to honor our fallen soldiers - will go on.

"There are a lot of incredible people out there who are willing to give their lives for this country," said Larsen.

Larsen has also started a non-profit that hosts garden tours. Proceeds benefit the Cole William Larsen Foundation, which has raised more than $40,000 for organizations that benefit military families.