[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 120 (Friday, September 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




STATEMENT ON H. CON. RES. 225--EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT EVERY 
               CITIZEN IS ENCOURAGED TO DISPLAY THE FLAG

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                               speech of

                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2001

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to vote for this 
resolution that I co-sponsor with my colleagues urging people to fly 
the American flag. Tuesday's act of terrorism is one of the greatest 
challenges in the history of our country. In times of austerity, in 
times of national tragedy--and this is the greatest we have ever seen 
on U.S. soil--it is important to unite, to come together, to comfort, 
indeed, to `rally around the flag.'
  In light of the tragedy that has struck directly thousands of 
families, we urge people to fly the flag as a show of solidarity with 
all the victims of this horrible assault on humanity, on the United 
States. The flag is an enduring symbol of American democracy and 
American freedom. It is a symbol of the courage and the bravery and the 
essential human kindness of our people. Its display--especially at 
times of national tragedy--is yet another in a number of spontaneous 
and empowering, very human responses that we have witnessed in the last 
48 hours.
  Let the flags around the country as they fly and are displayed in 
neighborhoods and on our buildings, send the signal that the United 
States remains united. We are so sorry and in such sorrow at the 
horrible loss of life and the unspeakable agony of those affected by 
this event. We are equally determined to ensure that the perpetrators 
of this crime will be found and properly punished. We will do 
everything in our power to make sure that what happened a couple days 
ago never, ever happens again. Finally, we are determined to adjust and 
adapt to this new world to give our government and our country and our 
people and institutions the support and unity which all of us need at 
this most trying moment for America and the American people.

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