[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONOR THE FLAG AND THE CONSTITUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. SKAGGS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran and an American, I am proud to 
introduce on behalf of myself and the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. 
Kolbe], a resolution expressing the strong support of the Members of 
Congress and the American people for what the flag represents: freedom, 
tolerance, and the right to dissent.
  Mr. Speaker, the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens agree 
that the American flag, as the symbol of our Nation's values and 
ideals, commands the deepest respect from all Americans. The flag 
commands that respect because it stands for a people and a Government 
strong enough to tolerate diversity and to protect the rights even of 
those expressing unpopular views. Our strong commitment to these 
values, not the colors and design of our flag, is what makes our 
country unique and an international model for freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution reaffirms the place of honor the 
American flag rightly holds in our country and states that respect for 
the flag should not be mandated, especially at the expense of the first 
amendment guarantee of free speech.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our flag and 
the Constitution by cosponsoring this resolution.

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