[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 104 (Monday, July 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          PROVIDING FOR ENGRAVEMENTS IN CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 131 which 
directs the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the National Motto, 
``In God We Trust,'' and the Pledge of Allegiance in the U.S. Capitol 
Visitor Center.
  Over one million visitors have passed through the new U.S. Capitol 
Visitor Center since it was opened in December 2008. The new Visitor 
Center is more than just a pathway to the 200-year-old Capitol. It is 
also a museum and classroom. In it you will find historic documents, 
including the patent drawing for the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine.
  The Visitor Center is a magnificent addition to the Capitol, but it 
is incomplete without our National Motto, ``In God We Trust,'' as well 
as the Pledge of Allegiance. This resolution will ensure that these 
important words are given appropriate recognition.
  Our national reverence to God is fundamental in our history. Our 
National Motto and the Pledge of Allegiance both mention God. Yet, 
there have been attempts, including a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals 
decision in 2002, to remove references to ``God'' from government.
  In 2007, I joined in a successful effort to reverse one such 
prohibition. When a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Dayton, Ohio, wanted 
to honor his grandfather's ``dedication and love of God, Country, and 
family'' with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, the Architect of the 
Capitol censored the word ``God'' from the flag certificate. I strongly 
objected and introduced legislation to permanently allow religious 
references on Capitol flag certificates. The Architect of the Capitol 
later reversed his position and restored the reference to God on the 
flag certificate.
  It's important that America's traditions, religious freedom and 
freedom of expression be promoted and protected. I support this 
resolution and urge its adoption.

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