[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    A SIXTH DISTRICT BOY SCOUT TEACHES NEW RESPECT FOR THE U.S. FLAG

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                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, with the recent court decision concerning the 
Pledge of Allegiance, more attention than ever has been brought to the 
American flag. I want my colleagues to be aware of a recent action by a 
Boy Scout in my congressional district who took it upon himself to come 
up with a new way to honor our beloved symbol of freedom. He is to be 
commended for his thoughtful patriotism.
  Ryan White, a member of Boy Scout Troop 20 in High Point, North 
Carolina, was looking for an appropriate project to achieve the rank of 
Eagle Scout. After doing some research, Ryan discovered that the 
federal flag code does not detail any particular way to dispose of a 
flag that is no longer fit to display. (Our office had sent Ryan a 
Congressional Research Service report on flag law.) So, Ryan decided to 
organize a large, public flag disposal ceremony. His idea was so well 
designed and thoughtful, I want everyone in Washington and around the 
nation to be aware of his concept.
  This past May, the city of Thomasville conducted a Memorial Day 
Freedom Celebration at Cushwa Stadium. Ryan White was invited to be a 
part of this patriotic program. His ceremony was so well received that 
day, the hope is that Ryan's idea will spread throughout the country. 
His program was formulated to show proper respect for our flag and to 
stir the patriotic spirit of everyone who witnessed the ceremony.
  I will paraphrase the words of Ryan White's program to explain the 
ceremony he developed to retire a worn-out flag. First, the audience 
will stand and sing God Bless America as the flag is being lowered. 
Next, a designated Color Guard properly folds the flag to be retired 
and it is carried to a special kettle for burning. The song Taps is 
played as the flag is burned. Finally, as the new flag is raised, the 
participants remove their hats, or salute if in uniform, and join in 
the signing of the Star Spangled Banner.
  Ryan discovered in his research that the flag code is somewhat vague 
about how a worn-out flag should be retired. It states: ``The flag, 
when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for 
display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by 
burning.'' Ryan took this information and developed a ceremony that is 
dignified and patriotic. He has set a standard that can be used for 
years to come.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we 
congratulate Ryan White of Boy Scout Troop 20 in High Point, North 
Carolina, for his outstanding Eagle Scout project. No matter what any 
court may rule, Ryan White has demonstrated that we can honor the flag 
in a patriotic and dignified way.

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