[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2314-E2315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ADDING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., HOLIDAY TO LIST OF DAYS ON WHICH FLAG 
                     SHOULD ESPECIALLY BE DISPLAYED

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, this legislation corrects an oversight that 
occurred in the 98th Congress during the establishment of the federal 
holiday celebrating the birth of our Nation's greatest civil rights 
leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is customary during the 
establishment of an official federal holiday to signify the importance 
of the date through its recognition in the U.S. Flag Code. The U.S. 
Flag Code encourages all Americans to remember the significance of each 
federal holiday through the display of our Nation's banner. The Flag 
Code reminds people that on certain days every year, displaying the 
flag will show respect for the people and events that have shaped our 
great Nation.
  I believe the American people should be afforded the opportunity to 
pay their respects to the memory of Dr. King and all his marvelous 
achievements by displaying our flag on his birthday. Dr. King is the 
only American besides George Washington to have a national

[[Page E2315]]

holiday designated for his birthday. However, of the ten permanent 
federal holidays, only The King Birthday lacks the notation in the U.S. 
Flag Code, and it is appropriate to correct this omission.
  I would also like to offer my appreciation to Mr. Charles Spain, a 
resident of Houston and president of the North American Vexillological 
Association, which studies flags. Mr. Spain brought this very important 
matter to my attention, and I am grateful for his diligence and 
assistance in helping my office to correct this error. His effort 
demonstrates that all citizens have the ability to contact Congress and 
make important contributions to the legislative process.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the unanimous consent request for 
the House to take up and pass H.R. 3216, legislation I introduced to 
amend the Act commonly known as the United States Flag Code and add the 
Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday to the list of days on which the flag 
should especially be displayed. I want to thank the Chairman of the 
Rules Committee for making this request.
  While I am disappointed the Senate will not be able to consider this 
important legislation during the 105th Congress, I am very pleased the 
House will pass the legislation this evening and send a strong signal 
that this legislation will be enacted in the 106th Congress. I urge my 
colleagues to support this measure. Let us continue to honor the legacy 
of Dr. King and move forward with his dream.

                          ____________________