[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 82 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HUDSON ELKS LODGE WORKS FOR FLAG AND COUNTRY

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, back on June 14, 1777, the Continental 
Congress of the United States adopted a resolution that gave us the 
stars and stripes that are our American flag. This June 14, 1996, the 
Hudson Elks Lodge will celebrate the 219th annual Flag Day to the day.
  Mr. Speaker, let me tell you why it is so important that 
organizations like the Elks Lodge No. 787, serving Hudson, NY, take the 
time to recognize Flag Day and the American flag. It's because our flag 
is unique and so is Flag Day. To my knowledge, no other nation has a 
holiday like it. No other nation has a special day when its people 
gather, as those will gather with the members of the Hudson Elks Lodge, 
to honor the flag as a special symbol.
  And that, Mr. Speaker, is what makes our flag and Flag Day unique, it 
represents a unique Nation--the strongest, freest, greatest Nation on 
Earth. No other flag is anchored so securely in the hearts of a people 
like Old Glory is in ours.
  Let's stop for a moment and consider why that is. It's because of 
civic organizations and people like those in the Hudson Elks Lodge who 
continually remind us of the importance of our flag. It's because of 
their efforts to raise public awareness of the flag and all that it 
stands for that Old Glory commands the devotion, respect and reverence 
that it does.
  That's why, Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to address the members of the 
Hudson Lodge as Brother Elk. The Elks are devoted to promoting pride, 
patriotism and volunteerism and do more than anyone when it comes to 
those goals. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have helped to 
relight the fire of patriotism in every American citizen and through 
their voluntary acts on behalf of the community, they have helped to 
reach our young people in whose hands the future of America depends.
  But Mr. Speaker, I owe my Brother Elks in the Hudson community and 
around the country another expression of my personal gratitude. That's 
because they stood beside me, and the overwhelming majority of 
Americans, who wanted to see Old Glory, our most visible and beloved 
symbol, protected by the Constitution, our most sacred and beloved 
document. I'm referring of course to the constitutional amendment to 
prevent the physical destruction of our flag that passed overwhelmingly 
right here in the House Chamber, only to be defeated by just two votes 
in the Senate. As long as lodges like those serving the city of Hudson 
continue to impress upon our fellow Americans the significance of our 
flag and what it means to America, I'm confident we can ultimately 
afford it this ultimate protection it so richly deserves.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and all Members of the 
House join me in tribute to the Hudson Elks Lodge for all they have 
done to spread appreciation for the American flag and our country 
throughout their community. For those efforts, they are all truly great 
Americans.

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