[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E1394]]


 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL DESECRATION OF THE FLAG

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                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 1995
  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor of House Joint 
Resolution 79, the resolution to protect the U.S. flag from physical 
desecration.
  This year, we continue to commemorate anniversaries of the passage of 
50 years since notable events of World War II. One of those 
celebrations marked the anniversary of the U.S. capture of the Japanese 
island Iwo Jima. Many of us can picture the famous photograph and 
bronze monument near Washington, D.C., and adjacent to Arlington 
National Cemetery. Of the many monuments, memorials, and truly powerful 
sights, the Iwo Jima Memorial, illustrating U.S. Marines raising the 
U.S. flag above a battleground covered with American casualties, has 
prominence in our appreciation of the flag. It was the wish of 
President John F. Kennedy to fly a fabric U.S. flag atop the mast being 
raised by the dramatic figures.
  Our flag is the embodiment of our national pride. It is what we use 
to identify our Nation at everything from community picnics to 
international events such as the Olympic games. It is used to cover the 
caskets of those who served in our military when they are interred. We 
witnessed the positive expressions and use of the flag when our pilot 
returned safely from Bosnia. One might ask, Why should not all 
Americans share the same reverence and regard for the flag as those six 
Marines did in 1945? Not all share the same feelings. But that is 
exactly what the flag represents--varying opinions. And that is why I 
believe strongly we must protect is from desecration.
  Many men and women fought to defend and protect the flag and the 
great Nation it represents. During our Nation's history, few objects 
have evoked such emotion, loyalty, and bravery. The U.S. flag is more 
than a fabric which flies over courthouses and post offices. It 
represents our beliefs, our dreams, our sense of responsibility and 
community. We should remember what it means to each of us today and 
pledge our allegiance to the principles it represents.


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