[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 18, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL 
              DESECRATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

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                               speech of

                           HON. STEVE LARGENT

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2001

  Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 36, 
which would grant Congress the power to add an amendment to the 
Constitution prohibiting the physical desecration of the United States 
flag. This resolution will preserve the honor and respect due to our 
national flag.
  When I reflect on the men and women who fought and died to protect 
the flag as a symbol of democracy and freedom, it amazes me that any 
American would purposely want to destroy that symbol. I believe that 
most Americans feel a sense of outrage at the sight of the flag being 
burned or desecrated by protesters trumpeting freedom of speech as 
their shield for such a heinous act.
  In recent history, our flag has lost the protection it deserves. I've 
noticed a sad pattern developing that we would even permit our flag to 
be desecrated. When we allow our nation's honor to be disgraced, should 
we be surprised that we have traitors in our midst? We allow the symbol 
of all that is good and pure about our country to be defiled and then 
we are shocked when our leaders are devoid of the values we cherish.
  It is time to restore our flag to its rightful place under the law so 
that our children and our grandchildren will never be confused about 
its meaning, its value, or the price paid to preserve it.
  A great author once wrote: ``You cannot truly love a thing without 
wanting to fight for it.'' I love the United States and I want to fight 
for the hope and freedom it represents to the world. That fight will 
include protecting our nation's flag.

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