[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1105]]



                                FLAG DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today on Flag Day to 
extend my appreciation to our veterans and the men and women in our 
Armed Forces for their service and protection in both peace and war.
  I am honored to attend the 13th Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony on 
Saturday, June 16, 2001, hosted by the American Legion Stanley Pack 
Post #499, in Blue Springs, Missouri. American Legion Post #499 has a 
long history of providing a ceremony to lie to rest our colors. The 
members of the American Legion Post #499 have tirelessly dedicated 
their time to honor our nation's flag and share with our citizens, both 
young and old, their respect and admiration for the flag and all that 
it represents.
  As American Legion Post #499 lays these tired flags to rest, we are 
mindful of the glory of our nation and the rights and freedoms that we 
share. The 13 red and white stripes not only represent our humble 
beginnings as 13 British colonies who fought bravely to gain us freedom 
but also the purity of our national purpose and the blood of our brave 
men and women in uniform who selflessly stand ready to defend our 
nation.
  There is no better symbol of our country's values and traditions than 
the flag of the United States of America. It continues to exemplify the 
profound commitment that our founders made to freedom, equality, and 
opportunity more than two centuries ago. The flag flies with 
magnificent glory from public buildings, covers hero's tombs as a 
remembrance of their bravery, and serves as a daily reminder to all of 
us that the blessing of democracy and peace should not be taken for 
granted.
  It is important that we teach our children the significance of our 
flag. Today, our nation renews its allegiance to our flag. Together, we 
stand collectively to honor its glory as its vibrant colors continue to 
wave through the skies that blanket the dreams and hopes of our beloved 
America. This truly is the land of the free and the home of the brave, 
and I am honored that we can share and enjoy the peace and the 
prosperity of this great nation.

                          ____________________