[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE AS ``FLAG CITY''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2003

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Cleveland, 
Tennessee, which I have the awesome privilege to represent and join 
them in celebrating the upcoming Flag Day ceremonies on June 14th.
  Beginning in the late 1800s, communities across the nation began 
envisioning a special day for celebrating our flag and the freedoms we 
enjoy as Americans. In 1949, President Harry Truman signed a 
Congressional Resolution designating June 14th of each year as Flag 
Day.
  The ``Stars and Stripes'' is a symbol to the world of the eternal 
principles that our nation was founded upon. Our flag is also a 
powerful reminder that our freedoms and liberties exist only because of 
the incredible sacrifices made by countless Americans in defense of our 
country. It is for that reason we must honor and pay tribute to our 
flag.
  I invite my colleagues to join me in commending the work of a very 
special group of individuals from Cleveland, Tennessee who came 
together as a community to find a truly patriotic way to celebrate Flag 
Day. Members of the Cleveland Kiwanis Club raised over $22,000 from 
community businesses and volunteers and organized efforts to fly over 
500 American flags on the streets of Cleveland.
  It is a humbling sight and a perfect tribute to America and to the 
veterans who defended her. When a noble idea is coupled with a 
dedicated group of people--great things can happen.
  I would like to personally thank Mayor Tom Rowland, State Senator 
Jeff Miller, State Representatives Dewayne Bunch and Chris Newton, the 
Cleveland Kiwanis Club, and the citizens of Cleveland and Bradley 
County, Tennessee for their efforts in this endeavor. It is an honor to 
represent and serve a ``flag city.''

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