[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
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]

 
                          TRIBUTE TO THE FLAG

  Mr. CRAIG. Madam President, I am here today because today is Flag 
Day, and I rise to pay tribute to the flag of our Nation. There are a 
lot of stories that could be told about today's celebration of our 
flag. There is a story about how our flag was fashioned for the first 
time, and how it has changed over the years. There is a story about how 
our flag came to be set aside to honor the United States. There is a 
story of recent flag deliberations right here in the Congress of the 
United States and in the courts, and how people could handle it and use 
it or abuse it. And there are innumerable stories about how our flag 
has inspired common people to do extremely uncommon and valorous deeds.
  There is also a great story about something that I want to relate at 
this moment. The story I would like to tell today is a tribute to the 
men and women across this country who have disagreed with the Federal 
courts of our country and believe we ought to change our Constitution; 
who believe, as all Americans do, that the flag is the ultimate symbol 
of our country. It is the unique fiber that holds together a diverse 
and different people into a nation we call America and the United 
States.
  This group of people talking to each other as Americans continued to 
debate the issue of flag and flag desecration long after the U.S. 
States Congress spoke several years ago. They debated it in coffee 
shops, in classrooms, and in American Legion halls. They talked across 
the back fence. They talked over phones and on CB radios and through 
computer networks. How do I know? Well, I was not a part of that 
debate. But there is a clear record of that debate. That is important 
for the Congress of the United States to know.
  The transcript of the great American debate can be found recorded in 
memorial after memorial that the State legislatures of our country have 
sent to the Congress just in the last few years. That debate was 
simple: Honor the American flag and protect it inside the Constitution 
of our country so that it can no longer be used as an expression of 
free speech beyond the normal margins of free speech; so that it cannot 
be burned or desecrated as has been done in the past and, as our courts 
have ruled, can be in the name of free speech constitutionally.
  As of May of this year, 1994, 43 State legislatures have memorials to 
the U.S. Congress urging action to protect the American flag from this 
physical desecration. Those legislatures represent nearly 229 million 
Americans, more than 90 percent of our country's population.
  I ask unanimous consent to place in the Congressional Record copies 
of these memorials from the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, 
Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, 
Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, 
North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West 
Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                  ``State of Alabama, H.J. Res. No. 88

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both Houses 
     thereof concurring, the Senate concurring, That we 
     respectfully memorialize the Congress of the United States to 
     propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, for 
     ratification by the states, specifying that Congress and the 
     states shall have the power to prohibit the physical 
     desecration of the flag of the United States; and be it 
     further
       Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the 
     President of the U.S. Senate and all members of the 
     congressional delegation from the State of Alabama.''
                                  ____


                  ``State of Alaska, H.J. Res. No. 27

       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our nation soul as the 
     Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, and 
     memorials to our greatest leaders, that are the property of 
     every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag was most nobly born in the 
     struggle for independence that began with ``The Shot Heard 
     Round the World'' on a bridge in Concord, Massachusetts; and
       ``Whereas, in the War of 1812 the American Flag stood 
     boldly against foreign invasion, symbolized the stand of a 
     young and brave nation against the mighty world power of that 
     day, and in its courageous resilience inspired our national 
     anthem; and
       ``Whereas, in the Second World War the American Flag was 
     the banner that led the American battle against fascist 
     imperialism from the depths of Pearl Harbor to the 
     mountaintop on Iwo Jima, and from defeat in North Africa's 
     Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's Germany; 
     and
       ``Whereas, Alaska's star was woven into the fabric of the 
     Flag in 1959, and that 49th star has become an integral part 
     of the Union; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag symbolizes the ideas that good 
     and decent people fought for in Vietnam, often at the expense 
     of their lives or at the cost of cruel condemnation upon 
     their return home; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag symbolizes the sacred values 
     for which loyal Americans risked and often lost their lives 
     in securing civil rights for all Americans, regardless of 
     race, sex, or creed; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag was carried to the moon as a 
     banner of goodwill, vision, and trumpth on behalf of all 
     mankind; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation that is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     be it
       ``Resolved by the Alaska State Legislature That the 
     Congress of the United States is requested to prepare and 
     present to the legislatures of the several states an 
     amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would 
     specifically provide the Congress and the legislatures of the 
     several states the power to prohibit the physical desecration 
     of the Flag of the United States; this request does not 
     constitute a call for a constitutional convention; and be it 
     further
       ``Resolved, That the legislature of the several states are 
     invited to join with Alaska to secure ratification of the 
     proposed amendment.
       ``Copies of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable 
     Al Gore, Vice-President of the United States and President of 
     the Senate; the Honorable George J. Mitchell, Majority Leader 
     of the U.S. Senate; to the Honorable Thomas S. Foley, Speaker 
     of the U.S. House of Representatives; the governors of each 
     of the several states; the presiding officers of each house 
     of the legislatures of the several states; and to the 
     Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Frank Murkowski, 
     United States Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, United 
     States Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in 
     Congress.''
                                  ____


                           ``State of Arizona

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation that is thankful for 
     its strengths and that is committed to curing its faults, and 
     remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted 
     by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency.
       ``Wherefore, your memorialist, the Senate of the State of 
     Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:
       ``1. That the United States Congress propose to the people 
     an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as 
     provided by law to add to the Constitution of the United 
     States, an article providing as follows:


                               article--

       ``Section 1. The Congress and the states have power to 
     prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United 
     States.
       ``2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona 
     transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives and each Member of the Arizona 
     Congressional Delegation.''
                                  ____


                  ``State of Arkansas, S.J. Res. No. 6

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-eighth General 
     Assembly of the State of Arkansas and by the House of 
     Representatives, a majority of all members elected to each 
     House agreeing thereto, That the General Assembly of the 
     State of Arkansas respectfully urges the Congress of the 
     United States to propose an amendment of the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states; specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the 
     President of the U.S. Senate and all members of the 
     Congressional Delegation from the State of Arkansas.
                                  ____


        ``State of California, Assembly Joint Resolution No. 55

       ``Whereas, Although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, Certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, There are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag was most nobly born in the 
     struggle for independence that began with ``The Shot Heard 
     Round the World'' on a bridge in Concord, Massachusetts; and
       ``Whereas, In the War of 1812 the American Flag stood 
     boldly against foreign invasion, symbolized the stand of a 
     young and brave nation against the mighty world power of that 
     day, and in its courageous resilience inspired our national 
     anthem; and
       ``Whereas, In the Civil War the American Flag symbolized 
     the vision of those patriots who fought and died for a single 
     union, one and inseparable, where human beings could not be 
     bought and sold; and
       ``Whereas, In the Second World War the American Flag was 
     the banner that led the American battle against fascist 
     imperialism from the depths of Pearl Harbor to the 
     mountaintop on Iwo Jima, and from defeat in North Africa's 
     Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's Germany; 
     and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag symbolizes the ideals that 
     good and decent people fought in Vietnam, often at the 
     expense of their lives or at the cost of cruel condemnation 
     upon their return home; and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag symbolizes the sacred values 
     for which loyal Americans risked and often lost their lives 
     in securing civil rights for all Americans, regardless of 
     race, sex, or creed; and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag was carried forth to the moon 
     as a banner of goodwill, vision, and triumph on behalf of all 
     mankind; and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, The law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, It is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of 
     California, Jointly, That the Legislature of the State of 
     California respectfully memorializes the Congress of the 
     United States to propose an amendment to the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states, specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That the Secretary of State transmits copies of 
     this resolution to each Senator and Representative in the 
     Congress of the United States.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of Colorado, H.J. Res. No. 91

       ``Whereas, the right of free expression is part of the 
     foundation of the United States Constitution, Although the 
     courts have drawn very careful limits on expression in 
     specific instances as legitimate means of maintaining public 
     safety and decency, as well as orderly and productive public 
     debate; and
       ``Whereas, Certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, There are symbols of our national unity such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults; and
       ``Whereas, It is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Fifty-
     eighth General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the Senate 
     concurring herein: That the General Assembly hereby petitions 
     the Congress of the United States to propose an amendment to 
     the Constitution of the United States which would forbid 
     physical desecration of the United States flag, and to submit 
     such amendment to the state legislatures for ratification; 
     and be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the President of the 
     United States Senate, and all members of the congressional 
     delegation from the State of Colorado.''
                                  ____


                ``State of Connecticut, H.J. Res. No. 73

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That the legislature of the State of 
     Connecticut respectfully memorializes the Congress of the 
     United States to propose an amendment of the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states, specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 
     the President of the United States Senate and to all members 
     of the congressional delegation from the State of 
     Connecticut.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of Delaware, House Res. No. 28

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well orderliness and productive 
     value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives of the 136th 
     General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate 
     concurring therein, respectfully memorializes the Congress of 
     the United States to propose an amendment of the United 
     States Constitution, for ratification by the states, 
     specifying that Congress and the states shall have the power 
     to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the 
     United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 
     the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the 
     President of the U.S. Senate and all members of the 
     Congressional Delegation from the State of Delaware.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of Florida; House Memorial 129

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate, and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others, and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor, and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal, and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state, and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency, 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida, That 
     the Congress of the United States is requested to propose an 
     amendment of the United States Constitution, for ratification 
     by the states, specifying that the Congress and the states 
     shall have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of 
     the flag of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this memorial be forwarded to 
     the President of the United States, to the President of the 
     United States Senate, to the Speaker of the United States 
     House of Representatives, and to each member of the Florida 
     delegation to the United States Congress.''
                                  ____


                    ``State of Georgia, H.R. No. 105

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and the 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul, such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults and which 
     remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted 
     by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the General Assembly of Georgia, That this 
     body respectfully petitions the Congress of the United States 
     to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose 
     of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United 
     States to authorize criminal sanctions for certain 
     disrespectful acts involving the flag of the United States or 
     the flags of the several states; be it further
       ``Resolved,  That this application by the General Assembly 
     of the State of Georgia constitutes a continuing application 
     in accordance with Article V of the Constitution of the 
     United States until at least two-thirds of the legislatures 
     of the several states have made similar applications pursuant 
     to Article V but, if Congress proposes an amendment to the 
     Constitution identical in subject matter to that contained in 
     this resolution before January 1, 1992, this petition for a 
     constitutional convention shall no longer be of any force or 
     effect; and be it further
       ``Resolved,  That the Clerk of the House of Representatives 
     is authorized and instructed to transmit a duly attested copy 
     of this resolution to the Secretary of the Senate of the 
     United States Congress, to the Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives of the United States Congress, and to each 
     member of the Georgia congressional delegation.''
                                  ____


            ``State of Idaho; Senate Joint Memorial No. 102

       ``Whereas, although the right to free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and a 
     nation which remains the destination of millions of 
     immigrants attracted by the universal power of the American 
     ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the members of the First Regular Session of 
     the Fifty-second Idaho Legislature, the Senate and the House 
     of Representatives concurring therein, That the Congress of 
     the United Stats submit for ratification by the states, an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution, specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       Resolved, ``That the Secretary of the Senate be, and she is 
     hereby authorized and directed to forward a copy of this 
     Memorial to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of 
     the House of Representatives of Congress, to the 
     congressional delegation representing the State of Idaho in 
     the Congress of the United States, and to the Legislatures of 
     the several states of these United States.''
                                  ____


                   ``State of Illinois, H.R. No. 322

       ``Whereas, Although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, Certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, There are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol, and 
     memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property of 
     every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, The Flag of the United States was nobly born in 
     the struggle for independence that began with `The Shot Heard 
     Round the World' on a bridge in Concord, Massachusetts; and
       ``Whereas, In the War of 1812 the Flag of the United States 
     stood boldly against foreign invasion, symbolized the stand 
     of a young and brave nation against the mighty world power of 
     that day, and in its courageous resilience inspired our 
     national anthem; and
       ``Whereas, In the Second World War the Flag of the United 
     States was the banner that led the American battle against 
     fascist imperialism from the depths of Pearl Harbor to the 
     mountaintop of Iwo Jima, and from defeat in North Africa's 
     Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's Germany; 
     and
       ``Whereas, The Flag of the United States symbolizes the 
     ideals for which good and decent people fought for in 
     Vietnam, often at the expense of their lives or at the cost 
     of cruel condemnation upon their return home; and
       ``Whereas, The Flag of the United States was carried forth 
     to the moon as a banner of goodwill, vision, and triumph on 
     behalf of all mankind; and
       ``Whereas, The Flag of the United States to this day is a 
     most honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is 
     thankful for its strengths and committed to curing its 
     faults, and remains the destination of millions of immigrants 
     attracted by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, The law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the `Stars and Stripes' 
     that reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of 
     that most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, It is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration of the 
     `Stars and Stripes' of a proper station under law and 
     decency; therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Eighty-
     Seventh General Assembly of the State of Illinois, That we 
     respectfully urge the Congress of the United States to 
     propose an amendment of the United States Constitution, for 
     ratification by the states, specifying that Congress shall 
     have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the 
     Flag of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That suitable copies of this preamble and 
     resolution be presented to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, the President of the U.S. Senate and all 
     members of the congressional delegation from the State of 
     Illinois.''
                                  ____


                           ``State of Indiana

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leader, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency.
       ``Whereas, The desecration of the flag of the United States 
     gives aid and comfort to our enemies which should not be 
     allowed; Therefore. be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the 
     State of Indiana, the House of Representatives Concurring:
       ``Section 1. The Indiana General Assembly respectfully 
     memorializes the Congress of the United States to pass a 
     proposed amendment of the United States Constitution for 
     ratification by the States, specifying that Congress and the 
     States shall have the power to prohibit the physical 
     desecration of the flag of the United States.
       ``Section 2. That the Secretary of the Senate is directed 
     to send copies of this resolution to the leadership of both 
     houses of Congress and to each member of Congress 
     representing the citizens of the state of Indiana.''
                                  ____


                ``State of Kansas, H. Con. Res. No. 5006

       ``Whereas, The Flag of the United States is the most 
     recognized symbol of a grateful nation and no other American 
     symbol has been as universally honored as the American Flag; 
     and
       ``Whereas, The United States remains the destination for 
     millions of immigrants attracted by the freedoms of liberty, 
     equality and expression; and
       ``Whereas, While the right of expression is a principal 
     freedom provided by the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits of expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means in maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as providing order and 
     value to public debate; and
       ``Whereas, Certain actions, while related to an 
     individual's right to free expression, nevertheless raises 
     issues concerning public decency, peace, rights of expression 
     and the values of others; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Flag the reverence, 
     respect and dignity befitting the banner of that most noble 
     experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     flag of a proper station under law and decency; and
       ``Whereas, More than 500 Kansas veteran, fraternal and 
     civil organizations have joined many city and county bodies 
     of Government in signing resolutions calling upon the Kansas 
     legislature to approve a resolution petitioning the Congress 
     of the United States to propose a Constitutional Amendment to 
     allow states the authority to pass laws prohibiting the 
     physical desecration of the Flag of the United States; and
       ``Whereas, Kansans believe the right to express displeasure 
     with government is a cherished right protected by the First 
     Amendment, however, Kansans also believe that the desecration 
     of the American Flag is an atrocious act which should be 
     prohibited: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of 
     Kansas, the Senate concurring therein, That the Legislature 
     petition the Congress of the United States to submit an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification 
     by the states, specifying that Congress and the states shall 
     have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the 
     Flag of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That the Secretary of State be directed to send 
     enrolled copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, the President of the 
     United States Senate and all members of the congressional 
     delegation from the State of Kansas.''
                                  ____


                    ``State of Louisiana, H.R. No. 2

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although related to a person's 
     right to freedom of expression, interfere with public peace, 
     public decency, and the rights of expression and sacred 
     values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag is still an honorable and 
     worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for its strengths 
     and, committed to curing its faults, and remains the 
     destination of millions of immigrants who are attracted by 
     the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords the ``Stars and Stripes'' the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of this 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere lend 
     their voices to a forceful call for the American Flag to be 
     restored to a proper station under law and decency; 
     Therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to propose an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification 
     by the states, specifying that congress and the states shall 
     have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the 
     flag of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 
     the President of the United States Senate and all members of 
     the Congressional Delegation from Louisiana.''
                                  ____


``State of Maine; House of Representa- tives and Senate Resolution 1991

       ``Whereas, the American flag is a symbol of national unity, 
     provides a beacon of hope and liberty for every nation in the 
     world, is a source of tremendous national pride and is 
     cherished as the embodiment of our country's history, 
     traditions and ideals; and
       ``Whereas, our Armed Forces have defended our country's 
     freedoms under the banner of the Stars and Stripes from the 
     Revolutionary War to the present day; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag is also a symbol of the 
     fundamental framework of individual rights laid down in the 
     Constitution and is a symbol of the political heritage of 
     this most noble experiment, our nation; and
       ``Whereas, this is the bicentennial year of the passage of 
     the Bill of Rights and as the individual rights guaranteed by 
     those amendments to our nation's Constitution constitute the 
     very essence of our political heritage of liberty and 
     freedom; and
       ``Whereas, the Bill of Rights has stood unchanged since its 
     adoption on December 15, 1791 and, as a result, has served as 
     the unvarying bulwark that protects individual liberty in 
     this country; and
       ``Whereas, any change to the Bill of Rights may create a 
     dangerous precedent and may open the door to incremental 
     erosion of the basic rights enjoyed by all Americans; now, 
     therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That We, your Memorialists, respectfully 
     recommend and urge the President and the Congress of the 
     Untied States to take appropriate action to ensure that 
     proper respect and treatment will always be accorded to the 
     American flag and to ensure that desecration of our flag will 
     be prevented while continuing our nation's long and proud 
     history of preserving the integrity of the Bill of Rights to 
     the Constitution of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That suitable copies of this Memorial, duly 
     authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to 
     the Honorable George H. W. Bush, President of the United 
     States; the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the 
     House of Representatives of the Congress of the United 
     States; and each Member of the Maine Congressional 
     Delegation.''
                                  ____


          ``State of Maryland, H. Res. No. 6 and S. Res. No. 4

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Strips of a proper station under law and decency; 
     now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the 
     General Assembly respectfully memorializes the Congress of 
     the United States to propose an amendment to the United 
     States Constitution, for ratification by the states, 
     specifying that Congress and the states shall have the power 
     to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the 
     United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     by the Department of Legislative Reference to the Speaker of 
     the U.S. House of Representatives, the President of the U.S. 
     Senate; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by 
     the Department of Legislative Reference to the Maryland 
     Congressional Delegation.''
                                  ____


                         State of Massachusetts

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Therefore be it
       ``Resolved, That the Massachusetts general court 
     respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United States 
     to propose an amendment of the United States Constitution, 
     for ratification by the States, specifying that Congress and 
     the States shall have the power to prohibit the physical 
     desecration of the Flag of the United States; and be it 
     further
       ``Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be forwarded 
     by the clerk of the Senate to the presiding officer of each 
     branch of Congress and to the members thereof from this 
     Commonwealth.''
                                  ____


               ``State of Michigan, H. Con. Res. No. 122

       ``Whereas, The United States Supreme Court has ruled in a 
     5-4 decision that popular legislative assemblies' attempts to 
     curtail those acts that are an affront to the American people 
     by protecting national symbols through local legislation may 
     be unconstitutional if they go beyond the fine-line of the 
     First Amendment; and
       ``Whereas, The desecration of national symbols through acts 
     which are beyond the free speech essentials of our laws that 
     allow the expression of diverse ideas or opposition to 
     national policy that is political in nature, should be 
     defined in law in order to protect against offensive acts 
     which may incite or encourage violence or counterproductive 
     activity of other citizens; and
       ``Whereas, Veterans' groups, expressing the sentiment of 
     our people, have called for action to ban the desecration of 
     the American flag. Indeed, to ignore the effect of this 
     decision would be an affront to everyone who has been 
     committed to the ideals of our nation in times of war and in 
     times of peace: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the members of the Michigan Legislature 
     hereby memorialize the United States Congress to pass an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution to prohibit the 
     desecration of the American flag; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 
     the President of the United States Senate, and the members of 
     the Michigan congressional delegation.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of Minnesota, Resolution No. 5

       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults; and
       ``Whereas, the country represented by the Stars and Stripes 
     remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted 
     by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of the 
     United States: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota, 
     That it urges the Congress of the United States to propose an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification 
     by the states, specifying that Congress and the states shall 
     have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag 
     of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That the Secretary of State of the State of 
     Minnesota is directed to prepare copies of this memorial and 
     transmit them to the President and Secretary of the United 
     States Senate, the Speaker and Clerk of the United States 
     House of Representatives, and Minnesota's Senators and 
     Representatives in Congress.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of Mississippi, H.Res. No. 60

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and one 
     that remains the destination of millions if immigrants 
     attracted by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag is our national ensign, a 
     proud and courageous symbol of our nation's precious heritage 
     and, as such, it has been carried and defended in battle, 
     revered and cherished by its citizens, and viewed as a beacon 
     of hope, freedom, equal opportunity, religious tolerance and 
     goodwill by people throughout the world; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     ``Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of 
     Mississippi, the Senate concurring therein, That we 
     respectfully memorialize the Congress of the United States to 
     propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, for 
     ratification by the states, specifying that Congress and the 
     states shall have the power to prohibit the physical 
     desecration of the flag of the United States of America; and 
     be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be forwarded to 
     the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and that copies be 
     made available to the Capitol Press Corps.''
                                  ____


                          ``State of Missouri


                              ``resolution

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults and which 
     remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted 
     by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes that 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Strips of a proper station under law and decency; 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That we, the members of the Missouri House of 
     Representatives of the Eighty-sixth General Assembly, the 
     Senate concurring therein, hereby respectfully memorialize 
     the Congress of the United States to propose an amendment of 
     the United States Constitution, for ratification by the 
     states, specifying that Congress and the states shall have 
     the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of 
     the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of 
     Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed 
     copies of this resolution for the Speaker of the United 
     States House of Representatives, the President of the United 
     States Senate, and to each member of the Missouri 
     Congressional Delegation.''
                                  ____


              ``State of Montana, Senate Resolution No. 19

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on the expression in specific 
     instances have long been recognized as legitimate means of 
     maintaining public safety and decency, as well as orderliness 
     and the productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression, and the sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul, such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol, and 
     memorials to our greatest leaders, that are the property of 
     every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag, to this day, is the most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation that is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults and that 
     remains the destination of millions of immigrants attracted 
     by the universal power of the American ideals; and
       ``Whereas, the law, as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court, no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes 
     that reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of 
     the most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives 
     of the State of Montana, That the Legislature of the State of 
     Montana respectfully petition the Congress of the United 
     States to consider an amendment to the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states, specifying that 
     Congress and the states have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That the Secretary of State send copies of this 
     resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, the President of the Senate, and each member 
     of Montana's Congressional Delegation.''
                                  ____


          ``State of Nebraska, Legislative Resolution No. 319

       ``Whereas, the United States remains the destination for 
     millions of immigrants attracted by the freedoms of liberty, 
     equality, and expression; and
       ``Whereas, while the right of expression is a principal 
     freedom protected by the United States Constitution, very 
     narrowly drawn limitations on expression in specific 
     instances have long been recognized as legitimate means of 
     maintaining public safety and decency; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, while relating to an 
     individual's right to freedom of expression, nevertheless 
     raise issues concerning public order; and
       ``Whereas, the flag of the United States is a recognized 
     national symbol: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the members of the Ninety-Third Legislature 
     of Nebraska, Second Session:
       ``1. That the Legislature encourages the Congress of the 
     United States to consider an amendment to the United States 
     Constitution, to be ratified by the states, specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
       ``2. That the Clerk of the Legislature transmit a copy of 
     this resolution to the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate 
     of the United States, to all members of the Nebraska 
     delegation to the Congress of the United States, and to the 
     President of the United States.''
                                  ____


                   ``State of Nevada, S.J. Res. No. 5

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's freedom of expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes of 
     our American Flag that reverence, respect, and dignity 
     befitting the banner of that most noble experiment of a 
     nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration of the 
     American Flag to a proper station under law and decency; now, 
     therefore, be it.
       ``Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of 
     Nevada, Jointly, That the Nevada Legislature memorializes the 
     Congress of the United States to propose an amendment of the 
     United States Constitution, for ratification by the states, 
     specifying that Congress and the states have the power to 
     prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United 
     States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the Secretary of the Senate to the Vice President of the 
     United States as presiding officer of the Senate, the Speaker 
     of the House of Representatives, each member of the Nevada 
     Congressional Delegation and the National Headquarters of The 
     American Legion; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon 
     passage and approval.''
                                  ____


                ``State of New Hampshire; H.Res. No. 57

       ``Whereas, the American flag is a sacred symbol of the 
     United States of America; and
       ``Whereas, there is a legitimate public interest in 
     preserving the sanctity of ``Old Glory''; and
       ``Whereas, the desecration of ``Old Glory'' is abhorrent 
     and reprehensible to most Americans; now therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives:
       ``That the Congress of the United States is requested to 
     institute procedures to amend the Constitution of the United 
     States and to prepare and submit to the several states for 
     ratification an amendment to prohibit flag desecration; and
       ``That copies of this resolution be forwarded to the 
     President of the United States, to the President of the 
     United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, and to each member of the New Hampshire 
     delegation to the United States Congress; and
       ``That copies of this resolution be prepared and forwarded 
     to the secretaries of state and to the presiding officers of 
     the legislatures of the several states with the request that 
     they join this state in making application to the Congress of 
     the United States to pass such an amendment.''
                                  ____


      ``State of New Jersey; Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 82

       ``Whereas, There are national symbols, such as the 
     Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, and 
     the Lincoln Memorial, which belong to every American and 
     which should be protected from desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, The American flag is not only such a symbol but 
     is also an integral part of this nation's history and spirit; 
     and
       ``Whereas, Our flag was born in the struggle for 
     independence that began with ``The Shot Heard Round the 
     World'' in Concord Massachusetts; and
       ``Whereas, During the War of 1812, the American flag 
     symbolized the stand of a young and brave nation against 
     foreign invasion and inspired our national anthem; and
       ``Whereas, During World War II, the Stars and Stripes was 
     the banner that led American forces against fascist 
     imperialism, from the depths of Pearl Harbor to the 
     mountaintop on Iwo Jima and from defeat in North Africa's 
     Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's Germany; 
     and
       ``Whereas, Old Glory symbolizes the ideals for which good 
     and decent people fought and died in Vietnam, often suffering 
     cruel condemnation at home in that effort; and
       ``Whereas, Our flag stands for the democratic values which 
     were advanced in the struggle for civil rights for all 
     Americans; and
       ``Whereas, The American flag was carried to the moon as a 
     banner of goodwill, vision, and triumph on behalf of all 
     mankind; and
       ``Whereas, The American flag is the honorable and worthy 
     banner of a nation which is thankful for its strengths, 
     committed to curing its faults, and which still remains the 
     beacon of hope for millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     American dream; and
       ``Whereas, The United States Supreme Court has mistakenly 
     decided to take away from the Stars and Stripes the 
     protection and respect which it deserves; and
       ``Whereas, The right to free speech was never intended to 
     mean that our flat should be subject to desecration and 
     dishonor under the guise of freedom of expression; and
       ``Whereas, It is fitting and proper that people everywhere 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for the protection of 
     Old Glory under the laws of the federal and state 
     governments: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New 
     Jersey (the Senate concurring):
       ``1. The Congress of the United States is respectfully 
     memorialized to propose an amendment to the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states, providing that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
       ``2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed 
     by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General 
     Assembly and attested by the Secretary of the Senate and the 
     Clerk of the General Assembly, shall be transmitted to the 
     Vice-President of the United States, the Speaker of the House 
     of Representatives, and every member of Congress elected 
     thereto from the State of New Jersey.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of New Mexico, H. Res. No. 20

       ``Whereas, freedom of speech is a cherished right conferred 
     by the first amendment of the constitution of the United 
     States; and
       ``Whereas, the guarantee of freedom of speech is not 
     absolute but must be balanced against threats to the national 
     peace and to the maintenance of law and order; and
       ``Whereas, the United States flag is a cherished symbol of 
     our nation's history and the struggle for freedom, liberty 
     and justice in world, and the desecration of that flag is the 
     desecration of those basic ideals upon which our country is 
     based; and
       ``Whereas, the United States flag has symbolized hope for a 
     brighter future and a chance for equal justice and 
     opportunity for all; and
       ``Whereas, the United States flag has rallied our troops in 
     times of peril and overwhelming odds; and
       ``Whereas, Americans have died defending the freedoms 
     represented by the flag, and in their honor the dignity of 
     the flag should not be demeaned, but the flag should be 
     treated with respect; and
       ``Whereas, the flag symbolizes our national unity and 
     inspires others to pursue the goals of democracy, freedom, 
     liberty and justice; and
       ``Whereas, the United States supreme court in United States 
     v. Eichman held that burning the flag was a form of speech, 
     protected by the first amendment; and
       ``Whereas, two joint resolutions are now pending in the 
     United States house of representatives proposing an amendment 
     of the constitution of the United States:
       ``Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of 
     Representatives of the State of New Mexico, that the United 
     States congress be requested to propose an amendment to the 
     constitution of the United States to be ratified by the 
     states specifying that congress and the states shall have the 
     power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the 
     United States; and be it further
       Resolved, That copies of this memorial be transmitted to 
     the speaker of the United States house of representatives, 
     the president pro tempore of the United States senate and all 
     members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.''
                                  ____


                  ``State of New York, S. Res. No. 466

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Vietnam Memorial and 
     memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property of 
     every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That this Legislative Body respectfully urge 
     the New York State Congressional Delegation to propose an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification 
     by the States, specifying that Congress and the States shall 
     have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the 
     Flag of the United States; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this Resolution, suitably 
     engrossed, be transmitted to all members of the Congressional 
     Delegation from the State of New York.''
                                  ____


               ``State of North Carolina; H. Res. No. 230

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and defining other societal standards; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     other citizens; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capital Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag is a most honorable and worthy 
     banner of a nation which is thankful for its strengths and 
     committed to curing its faults, and remains the destination 
     of millions of immigrants attracted by the universal power of 
     the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Representatives:
       ``Section 1. The House of Representatives respectfully 
     memorializes the Congress of the United States to propose an 
     amendment to the United States Constitution, for ratification 
     by the states, specifying that Congress and the states shall 
     have the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the 
     flag of the United States.
       ``Sec. 2. The Principal Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives shall transmit a certified copy of this 
     resolution to the Secretary of the United States Senate, to 
     the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and 
     to each member of the North Carolina congressional 
     delegation.
       ``Sec. 3. This resolution is effective upon adoption.''
                                  ____


             ``State of North Dakota, S. Con. Res. No. 4021

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol, and 
     memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property of 
     every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the Flag of the United States to this day is a 
     most honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is 
     thankful for its strengths and committed to curing its 
     faults, and remains the destination of millions of immigrants 
     attracted by the universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the flag of the United 
     States that reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the 
     banner of that most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     flag of the United States of a proper station under law and 
     decency: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate of North Dakota, the House of 
     Representatives concurring therein: That the Fifty-second 
     Legislative Assembly urges the Congress of the United States 
     to propose to the several states for ratification an 
     amendment to the federal Constitution to provide that 
     Congress and the states would have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That the Secretary of State forward copies of 
     this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of 
     Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, 
     and the members of the North Dakota Congressional 
     Delegation.''
                                  ____


                     ``State of Ohio, H. Res. No. 9

       ``Whereas, The United States Supreme Court recently held 
     that the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United 
     States protects from criminal prosecution those who burn or 
     otherwise desecrate the American flag as a form of political 
     protest; and
       ``Whereas, Since the Grand Union flag was the first raised 
     over Cambridge, Massachusetts, by George Washington on 
     January 2, 1776, the American flag has waved over our great 
     nation as a symbol of freedom, inspiring Americans with an 
     intense pride and often inspiring peoples of other nations 
     with a deep longing for freedom; and
       ``Whereas, Our forefathers had a dream of a country based 
     on principles of truth and justice, a country, strengthened 
     by the aspirations of many individuals, and a country that 
     would shine as a beacon of hope and democracy for the people 
     of the world, and the American flag has stood as a symbol of 
     this dream and of the love of country, strong sense of duty, 
     and dedication to the ideals of democracy that are the 
     heritage of every American citizen; and
       ``Whereas, During the War of 1812, on the night of 
     September 13-14, 1814, a young American attorney, Francis 
     Scott Key, watched the battle of Fort McHenry as he stood 
     trapped aboard a British ship in Baltimore harbor and was so 
     moved by the sight of the Stars and Stripes waving over the 
     fort at the dawn that he wrote a poem, ``The Star-Spangled 
     Banner,'' whose words became our national anthem and 
     represent the strength, determination, and pride of our 
     people; and
       ``Whereas, By its ruling the United States Supreme Court 
     has sanctioned the desecration and mutilation of the symbol 
     that inspired Francis Scott Key, the symbol that has led 
     millions of Americans into battle in protection of this land, 
     and the symbol that today leads the cause of freedom in other 
     nations; therefore be it
       ``Resolved, That we, the members of the 19th General 
     Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution 
     memorialize the Congress of the United States to take the 
     action necessary to propose, and submit to the several states 
     for ratification, an amendment to the Constitution of the 
     United States that would prohibit the desecration of the 
     American flag; and be it further
       ``Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly 
     authenticated copies of this Resolution to the Speaker and 
     Minority Leader of the United States House of 
     Representatives, to the President Pro Tempore and Minority 
     Leader of the United States Senate, and to each member of the 
     Ohio congressional delegation.''
                                  ____


                  ``State of Oklahoma, S. Res. No. 46

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and defining other societal standards; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     other citizens; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful to 
     Divine Providence for its strengths and committed to curing 
     its faults, a nation that remains the destination of millions 
     of immigrants attracted by the universal power of the 
     American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate of the 2nd Session of the 44th 
     Oklahoma Legislature, the House of Representatives concurring 
     therein:
       ``That the Oklahoma Legislature respectfully memorializes 
     the Congress of the United States to propose an amendment to 
     the United States Constitution, for ratification by the 
     states, specifying that Congress and the states shall have 
     the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of 
     the United States.
       ``That copies of this resolution be distributed to the 
     Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the 
     President of the Senate and each member of the Oklahoma 
     Congressional Delegation.''
                                  ____


                ``State of Pennsylvania, H. Res. No. 161

       ``Whereas, Since Revolutionary times, the American flag has 
     been an honored emblem chosen to symbolize our nation; and
       '`Whereas, Like our nation itself, the American flag 
     represents the dedication and courage of all who have worked, 
     sacrificed and given their lives to establish and preserve 
     this nation and the American way of life; and
       ``Whereas, As an expression of the public's profound sense 
     of outrage at acts of desecration toward this national symbol 
     to which we offer a `Pledge of Allegiance,' the Commonwealth 
     of Pennsylvania, 47 other states, and the Federal Government 
     have enacted laws prohibiting and punishing flag desecration; 
     and
       ``Whereas, The United States Supreme Court, by a vote of 
     five to four, rendered a decision of June 21, 1989, which 
     effectively held unconstitutional these state and Federal 
     laws prohibiting flag desecration; therefore be it
       ``Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the 
     Commonwealth of Pennsylvania memorialize Congress to vote to 
     propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States 
     in order to authorize state and Federal governments to enact 
     laws prohibiting and setting penalties for flag desecration; 
     and be it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the presiding officers of each house of Congress and to 
     each member of Congress from Pennsylvania.''
                                  ____


                        ``State of Rhode Island

       ``Whereas, Although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, Certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, There are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy or protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, The American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     of the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, The law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to that Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, It is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency; 
     now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of Rhode 
     Island respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United 
     States to propose an amendment of the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states, specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That the secretary of state be and she hereby 
     is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies 
     of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House 
     of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate 
     and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.''
                                  ____


                       ``State of South Carolina

       ``Whereas, in the Second World War the American flag was 
     the banner that led the American battle against fascist 
     imperialism from the depths of Pearl Harbor to the 
     mountaintop on Iwo Jima and from defeat in North Africa's 
     Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's Germany; 
     and
       ``Whereas, the American flag symbolizes the ideals for 
     which good and decent people fought in Vietnam, often at the 
     expense of their lives or at the cost of cruel condemnation 
     upon their return home; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag symbolizes the sacred values 
     for which loyal Americans risked and often lost their lives 
     in securing civil rights for all Americans, regardless of 
     race, creed, or national origin; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag is a most honorable and worthy 
     banner of a nation which is thankful for its strengths and 
     committed to curing its faults and remains the destination of 
     millions of immigrants attracted by the universal power of 
     the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag was carried forth to the moon 
     as a banner of goodwill, vision, and triumph on behalf of all 
     mankind; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag, even now, is the rallying 
     flag for those of the world who would protect its people from 
     the heinous crimes and inhumanity of a despotic ruler and is, 
     for civilized nations, the symbol of resistance to this 
     tyranny and oppression in the Middle East; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that the people should blend 
     their voices in a forceful call for restoration to the Stars 
     and Stripes of a proper station under law and decency: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives 
     concurring, That the members of the General Assembly 
     memorialize Congress to propose an amendment to the United 
     States Constitution for ratification by the states specifying 
     that Congress and the states may prohibit the physical 
     desecration of the flag of the United States of America; and 
     be it further
       ``Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to 
     the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
     United States House of Representatives, and the members of 
     this state's congressional delegation.''
                                  ____


              ``State of South Dakota, S. Con. Res. No. 8

       ``Whereas, the United States Supreme Court, in Texas vs. 
     Johnson, declared unconstitutional a state statute 
     prohibiting the burning or other desecration of the American 
     flag; and
       ``Whereas, for more than two hundred years, the American 
     flag has occupied a unique position as the symbol of our 
     nation; and
       ``Whereas, at the time of the American Revolution, the flag 
     served to unify the thirteen colonies at home while obtaining 
     recognition of national sovereignty abroad; and
       ``Whereas, hundreds of thousands of courageous Americans 
     have given their lives in defense of the principles that the 
     American flag stands for; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag symbolizes the nation in peace 
     as well as in war; and
       ``Whereas, a country's flag symbolizes more than nationhood 
     and national unity, but signifies the ideals that 
     characterize the society that has chosen that emblem, as well 
     as the special history that has animated the growth and power 
     of those ideals; and
       ``Whereas, the American flag is more than a proud symbol of 
     courage, the determination, and the gifts of nature that 
     transformed thirteen fledgling colonies into a world power, 
     but is a symbol of freedom, of equal opportunity, of 
     religious tolerance and of good will for other peoples who 
     share our aspirations; and
       ``Whereas, sanctioning the public desecration of the flag 
     will tarnish its value to an extent unjustified by the 
     trivial burden on free expression occasioned by requiring 
     that an available, alternative mode of expression, including 
     uttering words critical of the flag, be employed; and
       ``Whereas, the ideals of liberty and equality have been an 
     irresistible force in motivating leaders like Patrick Henry, 
     Susan B. Anthony, and Abraham Lincoln; school teachers, like 
     Nathan Hale and Booker T. Washington; the Philippine Scouts 
     who fought at Bataan; and the soldiers who scaled the bluff 
     at Omaha Beach; and
       ``Whereas, if those ideals are worth fighting for, and our 
     history demonstrates that they are, it cannot be true that 
     the flag that uniquely symbolizes their power is not itself 
     worthy of protection from unnecessary desecration: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, by the Senate of the Sixty-fifth Legislature of 
     the state of South Dakota, the House of Representatives 
     concurring therein, That the Legislature of the state of 
     South Dakota respectfully memorializes the Congress of the 
     United States to propose an amendment to the United States 
     Constitution specifying that Congress and the states may 
     prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United 
     States.''
                                  ____


                ``State of Tennessee, H.J. Res. No. 638

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, in the War of 1812 the American Flag stood 
     boldly against foreign invasion, symbolized the stand of a 
     young and brave nation against the mighty world power of that 
     day, and in its courageous resilience inspired our national 
     anthem; and
       ``Whereas, in the Second World War the American Flag was 
     the banner that led the American battle against fascist 
     imperialism from the depths of Pearl Harbor to the 
     mountaintop of Iwo Jima, and from defeat in North Africa's 
     Kasserine Pass to victory in the streets of Hitler's Germany; 
     and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag symbolized the ideals for 
     which good and decent people fought in Vietnam, often at the 
     expense of their lives or at the cost of cruel condemnation 
     upon their return home; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag was carried forth to the moon 
     as a banner of goodwill, vision, and triumph on behalf of all 
     mankind; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     Stars and Strips of a proper station under law and decency. 
     Now, therefore, Be it
       ``Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the 96th 
     General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, the Senate 
     concurring, respectfully memorializes the Congress of the 
     United States to propose an amendment of the United States 
     Constitution, for ratification by the states, specifying that 
     Congress and the states shall have the power to prohibit the 
     physical desecration of the flag of the United States; and be 
     it further
       ``Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted 
     to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 
     the Speaker of the United States Senate and all members of 
     the congressional delegation from the State of Tennessee.''
                                  ____


                 ``State of Texas, H. Con. Res. No. 18

       ``Whereas, The United States flag belongs to all Americans 
     and ought not be desecrated by any one individual, even under 
     principles of free expression, any more than we would allow 
     desecration of the Declaration of Independence, Statue of 
     Liberty, Lincoln Memorial, Yellowstone National Park, or any 
     other common inheritance which the people of this land hold 
     dear; and
       ``Whereas, The United States Supreme Court, in 
     contravention of this postulate, has by a narrow decision 
     held to be a First Amendment freedom the license to destroy 
     in protest this cherished symbol of our national heritage; 
     and
       ``Whereas, Whatever legal arguments may be offered to 
     support this contention, the incineration or other mutilation 
     of the flag of the United States of America is repugnant to 
     all those who have saluted it, paraded beneath it on the 
     Fourth of July, been saluted by its half-mast configuration, 
     or raised it inspirationally in remote corners of the globe 
     where they have defended the ideals of which it is 
     representative; and
       ``Whereas, The members of the Legislature of the State of 
     Texas, while respectful of dissenting political views, 
     themselves dissent forcefully from the court decision, 
     echoing the beliefs of all patriotic Americans that this flag 
     is our flag, and not a private property subject to a private 
     prerogative to maim or despoil in the passion of individual 
     protest; and
       ``Whereas, As stated by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, 
     writing for three of the four justices who comprised the 
     minority in the case, ``Surely one of the high purposes of a 
     democratic society is to legislate against conduct that is 
     regarded as evil and profoundly offensive to the majority of 
     people--whether it be murder, embezzlement, pollution, or 
     flag burning''; and
       ``Whereas, This legislature concurs with the court minority 
     that the Stars and Stripes is deserving of a unique sanctity, 
     free to wave in perpetuity over the spacious skies where our 
     bald eagles fly, the fruited plain above which our mountain 
     majesties soar, and the venerable heights to which our 
     melting pot of peoples and their posterity aspire; now, 
     therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That the 71st Legislature of the State of 
     Texas, convened in First Called Session, hereby petition the 
     Congress of the United States of America to propose to the 
     states an amendment to the United States Constitution, 
     protecting the American flag and 50 state flags from willful 
     desecration and exempting such desecration from 
     constitutional construction as a First Amendment right; and, 
     be it further
       ``Resolved, That official copies of this resolution be 
     prepared and forwarded by the Texas secretary of state to the 
     speaker of the house of representatives and president of the 
     senate of the United States Congress and to all members of 
     the Texas delegation to that congress, with the request that 
     it be officially entered in the Congressional Record as a 
     memorial to the Congress of the United States; and, be it 
     further
       ``Resolved, That a copy of the resolution be prepared and 
     forwarded also to President George Bush, asking that he lend 
     his support to the proposal and adoption of a flag-protection 
     constitutional amendment; and, be it finally
       ``Resolved, That official copies likewise be sent to the 
     presiding officers of the legislatures of several states, 
     inviting them to join with Texas to secure this amendment and 
     to restore this nation's banners to their rightful status of 
     treasured reverence.''
                                  ____


           ``State of Utah, State Concurrent Resolution No. 3

       ``Whereas, the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing the 
     burning of the American flag as a form of symbolic political 
     speech poses a threat to the ideals the flag represents;
       ``Whereas, Americans hold the flag in high respect because 
     it is a symbol of the many freedoms made available to us 
     through our democratic system of government, and stands as a 
     reminder of the men and women who fought and died to protect 
     these freedoms;
       ``Whereas, in the words of the President, ``Flag burning is 
     wrong, dead wrong, the flag is very special to all loyal 
     Americans'';
       ``Whereas, in the words of the National Commander of the 
     American Legion, ``Many a Gold Star mother cherishes the 
     carefully folded triangular bundle of red, white, and blue as 
     the closest link to a fallen hero son'';
       ``Whereas, Americans in Utah and throughout this great land 
     should not stand silent on this issue, but should let our 
     voice be heard until our elected leaders constitutionally 
     protect the American flag; and
       ``Whereas, many members of Congress give bipartisan support 
     to a constitutional amendment designed to make illegal the 
     physical desecration of the American flag as a form of 
     protected symbolic political speech: Now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved, That the Legislature of the state of Utah, the 
     Governor concurring therein, strongly urges Utah's 
     congressional delegation to support a constitutional 
     amendment forbidding the physical desecration of the flag as 
     a form of protected symbolic political speech; and be it 
     further
       ``Resolved That copies of this resolution be sent to 
     President Bush, the leadership of the United States Congress, 
     and Utah's congressional delegation.''
                                  ____


                  State of Virginia, S.J. Res. No. 101

       ``Whereas, for over 200 years, the flag of the United 
     States has symbolized our nation; and
       ``Whereas, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress 
     resolved that the flag represents the United States and its 
     ideals of liberty and justice for all its citizens; and
       ``Whereas, the flag served to unite the 13 colonies and 
     obtain recognition of America's national sovereignty; and
       ``Whereas, during the British attack on Fort McHenry in the 
     War of 1812, the flag inspired Francis Scott Key to compose 
     the song which became our national anthem; and
       ``Whereas, at the end of the War Between the States, the 
     American flag again stood for the indestructible union of the 
     United States; and
       ``Whereas, during the First World War, thousands of 
     Americans died on foreign soil fighting for the American 
     cause symbolized by the flag; and
       ``Whereas, during the Second World War, thousands of 
     Americans again followed the flag into battle, where many 
     lost their lives in an effort to preserve freedom; and
       ``Whereas, the flag served to boost the morale of American 
     soldiers in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, as they fought 
     to preserve democracy; and
       ``Whereas, Americans of every state, political party, race, 
     creed, and national origin regard the flag as the unifying 
     symbol of the pluralism evident in the United States; and
       ``Whereas, on June 21, 1989, the Supreme Court reached a 5-
     4 decision in the case Texas v. Gregory Lee Johnson holding 
     that physical desecration of the American flag is 
     constitutionally protected free speech; and
       ``Whereas, the Supreme Court recognized in its decision 
     that ``the flag is constant in expressing beliefs Americans 
     share, belief in law and peace and that freedom which 
     sustains the human spirit,'' and that ``the flag as readily 
     signifies this Nation as does the combination of letters 
     found in ``America''; and
       ``Whereas, on June 11, 1990, the Supreme Court, again by a 
     5-4 decision, in United States v. Eichmann held that the Flag 
     Burning Act of 1989 was unconstitutional as applied to 
     prosecute defendants for burning the flag and thus overturned 
     the attempt by Congress to respond by statute to protect the 
     flag; and
       ``Whereas, a majority of both houses of Congress in 1990 
     then voted to propose a constitutional amendment to enable 
     the states and Congress to enact legislation to ban 
     desecration of the flag, but the vote of 254 to 177 in the 
     House and 58 to 42 in the Senate fell short of the two-thirds 
     majority vote required for Congress to submit the amendment 
     to the states; and
       ``Whereas, the Virginia General Assembly has recognized the 
     unique status that the American flag holds in the eyes of 
     United States citizens by prohibiting the desecration of the 
     flag pursuant to the Virginia Uniform Flag Act; now, 
     therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates 
     concurring, That the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 
     Virginia memorialize the Congress of the United States to 
     propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, for 
     ratification by the states, specifying that Congress and the 
     states shall have the power to prohibit the physical 
     desecration of the flag of the United States thereby 
     recognizing the status the flag holds as the unique symbol of 
     nationhood and national unity; and, be it
       ``Resolved further, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit 
     copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the U.S. House of 
     Representatives, the President of the United States Senate 
     and the members of the Virginia delegation to the Congress in 
     order that they may be apprised of the sense of the Virginia 
     General Assembly.''
                                  ____


                ``State of West Virginia, H. Res. No. 28

       ``Whereas, There exist federal and state penal codes to 
     protect the flag of the United States from desecration; and
       ``Whereas, The flag of the United States is a living symbol 
     of all our freedoms, morally obligating all responsible 
     citizens to preserve, protect and venerate the flag. Neither 
     our founding fathers, members of Congress nor state 
     legislators ever intended that anybody should be allowed to 
     desecrate and mutilate the United States Flag; and
       ``Whereas, Protecting of the flag of the United States from 
     desecration can only be assured by the enactment of a 
     constitutional amendment; therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the House of Delegates, That the Congress be 
     hereby urged to propose and adopt an amendment to the 
     Constitution of the United States protecting the flag of the 
     United States from desecration; and, be it further
       ``Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is 
     hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to each 
     member of the United States Congress.''
                                  ____


                  ``State of Wisconsin, H. Res. No. 27

       ``Whereas, although the right of free expression is part of 
     the foundation of the United States Constitution, very 
     carefully drawn limits on expression in specific instances 
     have long been recognized as legitimate means of maintaining 
     public safety and decency, as well as orderliness and 
     productive value of public debate; and
       ``Whereas, certain actions, although arguably related to 
     one person's free expression, nevertheless raise issues 
     concerning public decency, public peace, and the rights of 
     expression and sacred values of others; and
       ``Whereas, there are symbols of our national soul such as 
     the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol Building, 
     and memorials to our greatest leaders, which are the property 
     of every American and are therefore worthy of protection from 
     desecration and dishonor; and
       ``Whereas, the American Flag to this day is a most 
     honorable and worthy banner of a nation which is thankful for 
     its strengths and committed to curing its faults, and remains 
     the destination of millions of immigrants attracted by the 
     universal power of the American ideal; and
       ``Whereas, the law as interpreted by the United States 
     Supreme Court no longer accords to the Stars and Stripes the 
     reverence, respect, and dignity befitting the banner of that 
     most noble experiment of a nation-state; and
       ``Whereas, it is only fitting that people everywhere should 
     lend their voices to a forceful call for restoration to the 
     stars and stripes of a proper station under law and decency: 
     now, therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the Assembly, The Senate concurring, That the 
     legislature of the state of Wisconsin proposed to the 
     congress of the United States that procedures be instituted 
     in the congress to add a new article to the constitution of 
     the United States, and that the state of Wisconsin requests 
     the congress to prepare and submit to the several states an 
     amendment to the constitution of the United States, 
     prohibiting the physical desecration of the flag of the 
     United States; and, be it further
       ``Resolved, That a duly attested copy of this joint 
     resolution be immediately transmitted to the president and 
     secretary of the senate of the United States, to the speaker 
     and clerk of the house of representatives of the United 
     States, to each member of the congressional delegation from 
     this state, and to the presiding officer of each house of 
     each state legislature in the United States, attesting the 
     adoption of this joint resolution by the 1991 legislature of 
     the state of Wisconsin.''
                                  ____


          ``State of Wyoming, Enrolled Joint Resolution No. 3

       ``Whereas, the United States Supreme Court in the decision 
     Texas v. Johnson, 109 S. Ct. 2533 (1989), held that a 
     conviction under a state statute for flag burning as a means 
     of expressive conduct is inconsistent with the First 
     Amendment;
       ``Whereas, the United States Flag is a visible symbol of 
     the nation's fight for freedom, signifies peace and pride of 
     America, and is regarded with respect and affection by 
     millions of Americans;
       ``Whereas, the United States Flag is used as a symbol of 
     respect, pride and honor on postal stamps, courtroom decor, 
     ships, public buildings and caskets of deceased members of 
     the armed forces;
       ``Whereas, the desecration of the United States Flag by any 
     means and for any reason is disgraceful and cannot be 
     tolerated or go unpunished as it is offensive to the majority 
     of Americans who respect the ideas inspired by the Flag and 
     who desire to preserve the reverence of the Flag: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       ``Resolved by the members of the Legislature of the State 
     of Wyoming:
       ``Section 1. That the Congress of the United States propose 
     an amendment to the United States Constitution for 
     ratification by at least three-fourths of the state 
     legislatures which grants power to the Congress and the 
     states to regulate, protect and prohibit the desecration in 
     any manner and for any purpose of the United States Flag and 
     to impose criminal penalties.
       ``Sec. 2. That the Secretary of State send copies of this 
     resolution to the President of the United States, the 
     President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives of the United States Congress and to each 
     member of the Wyoming Congressional Delegation.''

  (Mr. CAMPBELL assumed the chair.)
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to read these 
memorials, especially the ones from their States. They are an inspiring 
record of America rediscovering our national symbol and our national 
soul.
  On Flag Day 1994, today, it is extraordinary to know that the sight 
or mention of our flag still has the power to awaken the spirit of the 
American patriot across this country.
  Mr. President, that is my story--at least the part of the story as 
far as I know. I have a feeling that we are about to start a new 
chapter. But in any event, there is one thing I know: This is a story 
that will never end as long as U.S. citizens have the right to salute 
Old Glory. Today, I am proud to be one of them. I honor all of those 
States that have memorialized Congress, and I ask the Congress to move 
in the direction of recognizing a constitutional amendment once and for 
all to protect our great flag.
  Mr. President, I yield the remainder of my time.
  Mr. BREAUX addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Louisiana [Mr. Breaux].

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