[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              WASHINGTON MONUMENT FLAGS OF THE STATES ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. PAT WILLIAMS

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 16, 1995
  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I am today introducing legislation to 
assist in the observation of the Washington Monument's 110th 
anniversary. My legislation would ring the Washington Monument with the 
flags of each of our 50 States. This was the original intent of the 
planners of the Mall and I believe an appropriate way of demonstrating 
our unique Federal and State partnership.
  All Americans are rightfully proud of the beauty and symbolism of the 
Nation's Capital and its national monuments. The designers of our 
Capital City, from L'Enfant since, have sought not only to present our 
national monuments but also to present with them expression of American 
ideals. For example, as one stands in the Jefferson Memorial one has an 
unobstructed view of the White House. This symbolizes that Jefferson is 
considered to have given the Presidency the context it has held since 
his time. As one stands at the feet of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial, 
one can see the U.S. Capitol, as a symbol of the necessary linkage of 
the executive with the legislative branch of Government.
  The Capitol grounds are rich with this type of symbolism, adding to 
each American's understanding.
  I have noted that the flags of our 50 States are not exhibited 
together anywhere within the Capitol or monument grounds. Around the 
base of the Washington Monument, one finds 50 flag poles. However, the 
poles, not inappropriately, fly American flags. Flying State flags 
would provide the symbolism of the cooperation between and among the 
various States and the Federal Government.
  Americans owe our stability and strength to our system of 
government--a system that clearly established a constant dynamic 
between local and Federal jurisdiction. It is the defining and 
reexamining of these basic strengths which provides the appropriate 
tension to our system. The foundation of our Democracy is in the 
understanding that folks from Butte, MT to Charlottesville, VA, from 
Hillsboro, OR to Greenville, MS sustain a common bond: Through the 
orderliness of representative government they can truly determine their 
own destiny; and that of their country.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in this celebration of the 110th 
anniversary of the Washington Monument by having the flags of their 
States flown at the base of the monument to America's first President.


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