[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA AND ITS FLAG ON FLAG DAY, 1994

                                 ______


                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 1994

  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I submit this for all 
Members.

                          A Tribute to America

                    (By J. Morgan Haynes, Arden, NC)

       I love America. I was blessed to be born in America. I am 
     honored to be an American. What a privilege and honor for me 
     to stand under the shadow of Old Glory, whose colors have 
     never run, whose trumpet has never sounded retreat, and for 
     whose principles and ideals men, women and children have paid 
     the last full measure of devotion to protect and preserve.
       This wonderful old flag with its magnificent design and 
     colors represents the greatest country that the God of this 
     universe ever created. It gives forth a message of freedom, 
     hope and opportunity that is known throughout the world.
       The colors of this flag were not picked at random. Red was 
     chosen because it stood for courage, bravery, and willingness 
     of the American people to give their life for their country 
     and its principles. The white was selected because it 
     represents integrity and purity, while the blue was decided 
     upon because it portrays vigilance, perseverance and justice. 
     The stars in the original flag were placed there to tell the 
     world that a new constellation had arisen in the skies and on 
     the horizon of the world. Thus, this flag has become a 
     rallying point and a source of inspiration to every true 
     American wherever it is displayed.
       I believe in the democratic process and voice. During a 
     time like we are now experiencing in our nation, we are all 
     moved with deep passion and emotion. But I think it is time 
     we unite in support of allegiance for those who represent our 
     country on the front-line of battle.
       We need an allegiance of loyalty. There is no greater 
     encouragement for our men and women on the front-line than to 
     know we are ``behind them'' and in support of our country 
     here at home.
       We need an allegiance of patriotism. I am not ashamed of 
     this flag because it represents my country, which is my 
     country first, last, and always. When I see our flag being 
     desecrated and burned, I am greatly disturbed, even though I 
     know this is an expression of our democratic ``voice.''
       We need an allegiance to equal responsibility. We hear a 
     lot today about equal rights and that is well and good but 
     equal responsibility always precedes equal rights, and the 
     sooner we learn this lesson the better off we will be. There 
     is no such thing as a free lunch and something for nothing. 
     If this country provides us with the opportunity for food, 
     clothing, education and freedom, then we are honor bound to 
     defend it and its democratic principles, when called upon, 
     even with our lives.
       We need an allegiance of military preparedness. The reason 
     we have been respected in the past is because we operated 
     from a position of strength. The reason we are laughed at as 
     ``a paper tiger'' and scorned by the world in recent times is 
     because we have been operating from an anemic position of 
     weakness. We have become the object of ridicule because as a 
     great power and representative of democracy, we have let 
     dictators who chose to, spit on us and rub refuse in our 
     face. Then we have bowed and scraped and meekly offered our 
     apologies for ever being in his way. I submit to you it is 
     time to stand for democratic principles and freedom and ``get 
     the job done.''
       ``I pledge allegiance'' . . . and I pray, with God's help, 
     we will proudly honor our country, never cowardly desert it 
     and never cease to defend it.

                          ____________________