[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING JEFF OLSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2009

  Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and record my 
strong and enthusiastic support for Jeff Olsen, a constituent of mine 
who is being recognized by the American Legion for his patriotism.
  Olsen, a resident of South Elgin and local sanitation worker, 
collected discarded American flags along his route to properly dispose 
of them. He would fold and carefully package each flag before giving 
them to the local American Legion to destroy them in the traditional 
ceremony.
  To date, Olsen has saved and donated over 250 American flags to the 
American Legion. Many of his colleagues at the Elgin Waste Management 
office also work to ensure that American flags which are improperly 
disposed of are treated with the utmost respect; however, the number of 
flags discovered by Olsen is nothing short of remarkable.
  Olsen was honored by both the local American Legion and Elks Lodge 
with an Americanism Award in recognition of his actions on June 14, 
2009, Flag Day. His actions should be recognized as not only a caring 
act of patriotism, but also as an effort to raise awareness to the 
general public on how to properly dispose of an American flag. As a 
lasting symbol of freedom and democracy, the American flag should be 
treated with nothing less than great care and respect.
  I would like to congratulate Mr. Olsen on his award, and extend my 
deepest gratitude for his efforts. I can only hope that his story will 
inspire others to take similar action.

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