[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 101 (Thursday, July 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1374]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2001

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and my late 
father, Dutch Platts, an army veteran who felt very strongly about 
protecting the American flag from desecration, I rise in support of 
this proposal.
  House Joint Resolution 36 is important for many reasons. The American 
flag is of great importance not only to the men and women of the United 
States of America but also to the citizens of the world. Every time we 
raise or lower the many flags flown all over the world, we have given 
thanks and shown appreciation not only to the veterans who fought and 
gave their lives to ensure the freedoms we know today, but to the many 
citizens who work daily to preserve those freedoms. Desecration of this 
commanding symbol, whether it is by burning, tearing or other 
mutilation, undermines the powerful sense of patriotism Americans feel 
whenever they see the red, white and blue. To many, desecrating the 
American flag not only destroys a cloth, it also destroys the memories 
and devotion thousands of veterans and others carry with them 
throughout their daily lives.
  In this day of world conflict, we must remember that the Stars and 
Stripes has been a force that holds communities together. I agree with 
the gentleman from California, Mr. Cunningham, that, ``The American 
flag is a national treasure. It is the ultimate symbol of freedom, 
equal opportunity and religious tolerance. Amending our Constitution to 
protect the flag is a necessity.''
  In looking to whether our Founding Fathers intended the First 
Amendment right to freedom of speech to include burning of the American 
flag, I look to how our Founding Fathers treated the flag: When the 
Founding Fathers would go into battle, one soldier would carry the 
flag. If that individual fell in battle, another soldier would give up 
his weapon to pick up the flag. Those actions tell us pretty clearly 
how much our Founding Fathers respected and were willing to sacrifice 
themselves for the flag and how they did not intend the First Amendment 
right to freedom of speech to include desecration of the American Flag.
  I am hopeful that this bill will pass with broad bipartisan support.