[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                FLAG DAY

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and 
acknowledge the observance of Flag Day, June 14, 2003.
  The American Flag is an integral component of many national holidays 
commemorating the creation of our nation, the lives of our Founding 
Fathers, the legacies of great leaders, and the sacrifices of our 
military service men and women, veterans, and retirees. But Flag Day is 
the one day we acknowledge the American Flag itself and all it 
symbolizes. On this day, we celebrate the 53rd National Flag Day.
  As our national symbol, the American Flag is our ambassador to all 
corners of the globe and beyond, reminding people of who we are and 
what we stand for. The Flag symbolizes what is great about American 
democracy: the liberties and freedoms provided by the Constitution. It 
serves as a hopeful symbol of freedom to many people in the world, 
embodying the great American Dream of equal opportunity for all 
citizens.
  The American Flag serves as a source of pride for special and 
outstanding achievements, from athletes winning Olympic gold medals to 
astronauts reaching the moon. It has inspired poets, musicians, and 
artists. It was the very inspiration for Francis Scott Key in 1814 to 
write the Star Spangled Banner. With the British attacking Fort McHenry 
in Baltimore, Maryland, Key was overwhelmed by emotion when the sun 
rose revealing the war-torn flag was still there.
  The Flag continues to inspire people across the world and encourages 
them to recognize their potential and ability to achieve their own 
version of the American Dream. It is a focal point of respect for our 
active duty service men and women, military retirees, veterans, and 
those who work tirelessly to protect us: our police, firefighters, and 
first-responders.
  In times of difficulty the tattered Flag reminds us of the sadness of 
war and terror, and the tragic loss of life that all too often occurs. 
Yet in such difficult times, the Flag inspires and reminds us that we 
are still here, and that we remain steadfast in our commitment to 
American democracy.
  From school children to Members of Congress, many begin their day by 
reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. We do not do this as mere habit nor 
do we do it lightly. I, along with my colleagues and fellow Americans, 
have great respect for the American Flag and for all it represents. It 
is a great privilege to represent the Maryland 2nd Congressional 
District and to honor the American Flag for all it embodies at this 
critical time in our nation's history.




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