[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 88 (Friday, June 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 1996

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, every day, we begin the session of the House 
of Representatives--the people's House--by reciting the pledge of 
allegiance. The House has been following this practice for nearly 8 
years, since September 1988, and it has become part of the rhythm of 
this institution.
  There is a place, though, Mr. Speaker, where the pledge of allegiance 
and, indeed, the flag itself are even more at the center of attention 
than in this Chamber. I am speaking of Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, 
which stands as a monument honoring the history of the flag, and of our 
national anthem.
  As you know, Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, June 14, is Flag Day and this 
week is National Flag Week. Each year, the National Flag Day 
Foundation, which I am proud to say say is located in Maryland's Third 
Congressional District, organizes and participates in a ``pause for the 
pledge'' at Fort McHenry, at exactly 7 in the evening on June 14.
  The National Flag Day Foundation encourages all Americans to join in 
the 7 o'clock pause for the pledge. This grassroots concept of national 
unity started in Baltimore in 1980. It is a wonderful, patriotic 
program. This simple ceremony provides an opportunity for all 
Americans, whenever they are, to display simultaneously their love and 
respect for our flag and our country.
  Fort McHenry, of course, is the point from which Francis Scott Key, 
during the War of 1812, watched ``By the Dawn's Early Light'' as the 
American Navy battled for the survival of the young country. Every year 
at the fort, thousands of Americans are thrilled to see ``that star-
spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of 
the brave.'' For any of my colleagues who have not had the opportunity 
to visit Fort McHenry, I strongly recommend it as a stirring 
experience.
  Tomorow evening, at 7 p.m., the National Flag Day Foundation will 
again celebrate the pause for the pledge. Had we been in session and 
voting tomorrow, I had hoped to lead the House in the pledge in 
conjunction with the celebration. Now, since the House will not conduct 
legislative business tomorrow, I would take this opportunity to urge 
all my colleagues to make the pause for the pledge part of their Flag 
Day observation.
  It is my pleasure at this point to include in the Congressional 
Record the simple, profound words that every American knows so well.
  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and 
to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, 
with liberty and justice for all.

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