[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E290-E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              FLAG PROTECTION AMENDMENT REINTRODUCED TODAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, along with the other sponsors of the 
constitutional amendment to prohibit the burning and desecration of the 
American flag, I am so proud that today we are reintroducing the flag 
protection amendment. This continues the grassroots effort to once and 
for all put an end to the disrespect and desecration of the symbol of 
our country--Old Glory.
  With the support of fellow Members of Congress on both sides of the 
aisle, the dedicated members of the Citizens Flag Alliance--consisting 
of over 100 veterans and civic organizations, many of whom are 
represented here today--and 49 State legislatures, we are confident we 
will finally be able to restore the long overdue protection to Old 
Glory we see flying above us today.
  Ever since that tragic day in 1989 when 5 men in black robes said it 
was OK to burn and destroy our blessed flag, we have attempted to amend 
the U.S. Constitution to prohibit such desecration but have fallen 
short of the necessary two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate. 
But now we are within reach of that goal, and today marks the beginning 
of the grassroots push to get at least 290 Representatives and 67 
Senators to sponsor our legislation which will guarantee its passage.
  There are still those who will maintain that burning the very symbol 
of our Nation is simply an expression of speech. I for one, as well as 
all of you, take such an expression much more seriously. Such an act is 
purely a denouncement of the very spirit, principles, and system of 
government under which we enjoy our freedoms and opportunities. After 
all, the flag, being the very symbol of American freedoms and ideals, 
ought to be protected with the same vigor with which we protect the 
very freedoms and rights it represents. To that end, burning this 
blessed symbol is purely a crime against the State.

  In our opinion, we ought to view the flag as a national monument and 
treat it with the same degree of reverence. As we look around ourselves 
today, we are surrounded by symbols of our freedom and the system of 
government so many have fought to protect. Standing here we gaze upon 
the Washington Monument, a beacon honoring the wisdom and dedication of 
our Founding Fathers. Beyond that lies the Lincoln Memorial and behind 
me, the U.S. Capitol, recognized throughout the world as the very 
symbol of democracy. In fact, throughout this city there are countless 
representations of our culture and ideals. However, no single one 
embodies America, or what it is to be an American, like this lone 
glorious symbol. Yet, vandalizing these monuments would be 
unconscionable and considered a disgraceful crime, as well it should.

[[Page E291]]

Therefore, it is only appropriate our flag receive the same exceptional 
consideration.
  For those who doubt the symbolism of the American flag, we need only 
look throughout the world, at where it is and where it has been, to 
understand its significance. Right now, our distinguished flag acts as 
an ambassador of freedom and opportunity to those who suffer under 
oppressive regimes such as the ones found in Cuba, North Korea, and the 
People's Republic of China. For others who have seen their freedom 
usurped and continue to be threatened by overly ambitious dictators, 
like the people of Kuwait and Taiwan, the American flag stands as a 
reminder of a compassionate ally.
  Why is Old Glory of such significance to people throughout the world? 
We need only reflect upon where our flag has been to understand why 
this symbol is held in such high regard worldwide. For instance, an 
early version was carried at the Battle of Saratoga in my district, the 
turning point of the Revolutionary War, and the beginning of our flags 
association with the rights of free people over authoritarian regimes.

  It was flying over the U.S.S. Arizona that infamous day when it was 
so tragically blownup and destroyed at Pearl Harbor. Later, that same 
war, it was raised triumphantly over the island of Iwo Jima, a scene 
which undeniably represents the supremacy of freedom and democracy over 
oppression and tyranny. Furthermore, it marks the graves of brave 
soldiers of freedom like those just across the Potomac in Arlington, to 
the overlooking the beaches of Normandy on the other side of the 
Atlantic, to those halfway around the world on the Philippine islands. 
What better reason to protect this symbol of America.
  All that is required now, is for each of us to draw upon this 
patriotic fire and do all we can to effect this demanded change to our 
Constitution. It is only appropriate that this, our most sacred 
document, include within its boundaries, a protection of the flag, our 
most sacred and beloved national symbol.
  An active grassroots campaign is already in place under the tireless 
efforts of the members of the Citizens Flag Alliance. However, we need 
to get the message to all Americans to contact their Congressman and 
urge support of this resolution. Outside the beltway, 49 State 
legislatures, including my home State of New York, have already passed 
resolutions urging Congress to pass this constitutional amendment. In 
the 104th Congress, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed 
a similar amendment by a vote of 312 to 120. That same amendment fell 
just three votes short of passage in the Senate.
  Today, we are introducing an amendment to empower Congress--instead 
of Congress and the States, as we did in the last Congress--to prohibit 
the physical desecration of the American flag. This represents an 
effort to broaden the support for this amendment. It is also entirely 
appropriate that Congress be the sole legislative body responsible for 
protecting our national flag.
  Addressing the despicable maltreatment of our national symbol is 
close at hand ladies and gentlemen. All it takes is a little more hard 
work to get the message to your Congressman and ignite the American 
spirit lying within all of us.