[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING NATIONAL FLAG DAY

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2001

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Old 
Glory. National Flag Day is a day especially revered by veterans and 
one which deserves the special attention of each of us.
  The Flag of the United States of America has been a constant 
throughout our nation's history; through its high and low points. In 
its long and distinguished history, our flag has taken various 
versions. Just as our country has grown from the original 13 colonies 
to the great country it is today, so too has our flag. At the time of 
the original 13 colonies and the Continental Congress, it was a flag of 
red and blue stripes, with 13 stars, representing the union of those 
colonies, set in a blue field, representing a new constellation. From 
the Star Spangled Banner, to the Flag of 1818 with its 20 stars, to 
today's flag, with its 50 stars, Old Glory has been a symbol of liberty 
and freedom for people around the world.
  I am always touched by the efforts of people across the country to 
preserve, protect, and honor America's flag. One example that stands 
out, is the effort of four veterans in my district, who I have 
recognized as June Citizens of the Month, for their flag education 
program, which has taken to almost thirty different schools to talk to 
more than 12,000 students. Another, was the placement of a flag 
receptacle by a VFW Post in Levittown, Long Island, in which old and 
worn flags can be placed so that they can be disposed of by the U.S. 
Post in a manner that is befitting their importance.
  As demonstrated by these men and the community in Levittown, the 
American flag is more than a piece of cloth--it is a national symbol. 
For this reason, I believe our flag is worth a constitutional 
sanctuary. Therefore, as we celebrate National Flag Day, let me remind 
my colleagues of the need to pass legislation that prohibits the 
desecration of the flag. It is time to give our flag the honor and 
respect it deserves as our most sacred national symbol.

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