[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7508-S7509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MORGAN HARRIS

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I often rise to speak about the 
issues being debated on the floor of the Senate, whether it be to share 
my thoughts on immigration, the war in Iraq, or the marriage 
amendment--as was the case this past week. I am honored to speak for 
the people of Alabama and to share their concerns with my colleagues in 
the Senate. Today I wish, not to debate, but for a moment reflect on 
the rich history of our Nation.
  I have heard it stated, on more than one occasion, that the length of 
a person's stay in Washington should be measured by the feeling they 
get standing on Constitution Avenue at dusk. As a public servant, I 
find it impossible to look at the Capitol, illuminated against the 
night sky, without reflecting on the history and sacrifice of our 
forefathers.
  I was reminded of this while reading a speech written by Morgan 
Harris, a sixth grader at Hampton Cove Middle School in Huntsville, AL. 
Morgan, tasked by his English and Social Studies teachers to write a 
speech about the flag, took the creative approach of writing from the 
flag's perspective. While there have been poems written from similar 
points of view, I found Morgan's speech to be a refreshing reminder of 
the history and importance of Old Glory. I share it with you today:

                              Flag Speech

                           (By Morgan Harris)

       I am the flag. I was originated on June 14, 1777. I was 
     given 13 stripes alternating red and white with 13 white 
     stars in a field of blue. I am the flag. My content was 
     dictated, but my arrangement was not. Many made me appear in 
     different ways. My stripes usually stayed the same, but my 
     stars were often rearranged. For many years history has 
     taught that Betsy Ross was my original maker. Though she made 
     many flags, there is no proof that she made me first. In 1818 
     my design was set. The only change was to add a star for each 
     new State. I was carried by soldiers into battle. I flew from 
     the masts of great ships. For 47 years I had 48 stars. In 
     1959 and 1960 I was given two stars for the new States of 
     Alaska and Hawaii. Today, I still have those same 50 stars 
     and 13 stripes. I am the flag.
       To show respect and dignity for what I represent, rules 
     have been written for my use and care. When I am displayed 
     during the playing of the national anthem, men and women in 
     uniform stand at attention and salute me. All others stand at 
     attention with their right hand over their heart and men 
     remove their hats. During the Pledge of Allegiance, everyone 
     is to stand at attention with their right hand over their 
     heart. I am usually flown in the outdoors from sunrise to 
     sunset. However, I may be flown for 24 hours a day if lighted 
     during darkness. I should not be left out in the rain or bad 
     weather. I am flown at half-staff upon the death of great 
     people to show respect to their memory. I am draped over the 
     caskets of those who serve our country. No other flag is to 
     fly about me. I am the American flag.
       I should never be allowed to touch the ground and should be 
     stored and protected. I should never be displayed upside 
     down, except as a sign of distress. I should always be 
     carried aloft and free. I represent a living country and I am 
     considered a living thing. Therefore, when I am worn as a pin 
     I should be worn on the left near the heart. When I am no 
     longer fitting for display, I am to be destroyed in a 
     dignified manner, preferably by burning.
       The writer Henry Ward Beecher once said, ``The American 
     flag has been a symbol of Liberty and men rejoiced in it.'' 
     Mr. Beecher was stating how the flag represents our freedom 
     in America and this is what I love most about the flag.
       When I see the flag flying high on a flag pole and hear 
     ``The Star-Spangled Banner'' played, I think of the freedom 
     we have as Americans. I think of the men and women who have 
     died so that we may have this freedom. It makes me proud to 
     be an American. The flag is our symbol of freedom.''


[[Page S7509]]


  Mr. President, I am sure it will come as no surprise to you that 
Morgan's speech won first place out of 148 entries at his school. He 
has much to be proud of.

                          ____________________