[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 108 (Thursday, June 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E 1362]]


       PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 79, 
 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL DESECRATION OF THE FLAG

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. SPENCER BACHUS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 1995
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, some people just don't get it. Our flag is 
more than just another piece of cloth.
  Our flag is a symbol, a proud symbol. It represents much of what is 
good and right in America. But, as history has taught us, what is good 
and right does not necessarily prevail merely because it is good and 
right, often it must be fought for.
  We face just such a fight today as we consider an amendment to the 
Constitution that would forbid burning the flag.
  Some self-styled liberals contend this is a question of freedom of 
speech, that malcontents in our population have a right to burn the 
flag to show their defiance of this country or its policies.
  They are wrong, dead wrong.
  Dissidents in this country have an unbridled freedom to voice their 
dissent and opposition whether it comes from the right or the left of 
the political spectrum. This freedom does not extend to the physical 
destruction of our flag, the official symbol of our Nation.
  Millions of Americans have often spoken of having proudly fought for 
the flag. Such a statement is not quite accurate. Those millions fought 
not for the flag itself, but they did fight for what that flag 
represents--what it stands for--what it means.
  Just before the critical battle at Valley Forge, George Washington 
cited the true importance of our flag as he implored his desperate, 
outnumbered troops. Washington said, ``Let us raise a standard to which 
the wise and honest can repair, the event is in the hands of God.'' 
This standard helped carry the Nation to victory.
  That is the real significance and meaning of this debate. We are 
fighting for the very values, concepts, and principals on which this 
country was founded.
  I am proud to be one of the 281 members of this House in support of 
the amendment to protect our flag. I urge all of my colleagues to 
reflect on the true significance of this issue and join us in support 
of this amendment.


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