[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FLAG CITY USA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 1999

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, in the vast Second Congressional 
District of Oregon lies a city named Redmond, also known as ``Flag City 
USA.'' Redmond is called ``Flag City USA,'' because currently it 
proudly displays 687 flags that have been flown over our Nation's 
Capitol. I would like to commend the citizens of Redmond for this great 
project that shows a strong sense of community spirit and patriotism.
  The first display of flags was on July 4, 1991, the day that our 
nation officially welcomed home all veterans from Desert Storm and 
prior wars. The initial display was the concept of Mr. Mac McShannon. 
With the help of City Councilman Randy Povey, it became a reality. The 
flags displayed included 180 flags that had once draped the caskets of 
fallen veterans, which were made available by American Legion Post 44.
  When Mr. McShannon and Mr. Povey learned that the flags from the 
previous year would not be available to display in the future, The 
Downtown Redmond Flag Committee was born. A representative of almost 
every civil organization of Redmond met with the American Legion, and a 
mission statement was developed and it reads as follows:


       It is the feeling of this committee that flags should be 
     flown on our city streets during appropriate holidays and 
     other special occasions. Therefore, the acquisition, display, 
     and perpetual care of the flags are now points we must 
     address. Since this should be a community endeavor, we would 
     like all area organizations, clubs, businesses and interested 
     individuals to join us in a plan to perpetuate Americanism, 
     the display of our flag and the Redmond Community Spirit.


  True to their mission, community spirit is exactly what the city has 
shown. Since the first formal meeting on September 20, 1991, until 
today, the Flag Committee has obtained 687 flags, all of which have 
been flown over our Nation's Capitol and their final goal is 1,000 
flags. Many local businesses have donated supplies, while local 
community organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis, Moose, Elks, Smokey-RVFD, 
Boy Scouts, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Chamber of 
Commerce and the City Council have kept the program going with their 
support.
  On Saturday, July 31, the City of Redmond will receive their 700th 
flag, a tremendous milestone on their way to the final goal of 1,000. I 
am happy that I will be a part of Redmond's celebration in achieving 
this milestone.
  Patriotism has rarely been more apparent than when you drive down the 
main streets of Redmond on one of the special occasions when the 700 
flags are flown. Each time I see this display, a strong sense of pride 
in my country and those who have served to protect our freedom is 
renewed. I know of no other city in the United States that comes close 
to matching Redmond's efforts to honor our flag and American pride. I 
am proud to say that I represent ``Flag City USA'' in the United States 
Congress.

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