[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO ALEX KAPITANSKI, THE FLAG MAN OF OCEANSIDE

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                         HON. DARRELL E. ISSA-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2010

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a constituent 
whose efforts have touched thousands of Americans over the last seven 
decades. Mr. Alex Kapitanski, more commonly known as ``The Flag Man,'' 
recently passed away on February 17, 2010. Mr. Kapitanski holds a great 
legacy not only in my district of California, but across the United 
States.
  A fixture at civic events, Mr. Kapitanski embodied love of country 
with his passion in providing American and state flags for display at 
thousands of events from school graduations, to parades, to countless 
military services. A resident of Oceanside since 1950, Mr. Kapitanski 
once estimated that he provided flags to more than 37,000 events and 
hung more than 3.5 million flags. He once said, ``I'll probably die 
with a flag in my hand.''
  His unwavering patriotism and commitment to his purpose has been 
recognized by presidents, generals and even Pope John Paul II. Just 
recently, Mr. Kapitanski, was honored in a special Presidents Day 
salute at the Oceanside Public Library and presented a proclamation 
from Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood with a film tribute and of course, plenty 
of flags on display.
  Born on March 23, 1923, in West Rutland, Vermont, Mr. Kapitanski 
carried the spirit of the American flag from his early youth. His 
inspiration to begin collecting flags came from watching the superior 
conduct and community involvement of the legionnaires. At age 11, he 
hung his first flags by decorating the American Legion Post in his home 
town.
  Mr. Kapitanski loved his country and served it with distinction at 
many levels. As a combat photographer during World War II, his primary 
mission was to go behind enemy lines to photograph enemy positions and 
gun emplacements. The military newspaper ``Stars & Stripes'' once 
featured a photo of him bringing in a German soldier he had captured 
behind the lines while photographing a position in Normandy. The photo 
was sent by wire service to nearly every newspaper in the United States 
and beyond. During this time, Mr. Kapitanski received numerous 
commendations and awards for his heroism including a Silver Star from 
General Dwight D. Eisenhower and a Bronze Star from General Courtney H. 
Hodges.
  With a passion to teach the meaning and significance of our nation's 
flags to area youth, Mr. Kapitanski's work truly came from the heart. 
Although he is no longer with us, his spirit will live on in the youth 
he determinedly sought to inspire. In a 2007 interview he said, ``My 
goal is to motivate the younger generation to preserve our freedom.'' 
He will certainly be remembered for his devotion to his work, his 
strength of character, and his steadfast efforts to pass on his love of 
country and patriotism to upcoming generations.
  Our thoughts and prayers continue to go to the Kapitanski family who 
will take up their father's cause to honor his memory. He is survived 
by four sons, Alex of Carlsbad, and Edwin, Albert and Allen of 
Oceanside; a daughter, Emilyann Ransom of Oceanside, and eight 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues please join me in paying 
tribute to the Flag Man, Mr. Alex Kapitanski, who will surely live as a 
symbol of the great work that can be done when we strive to achieve. He 
will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the many Americans he 
inspired over his long and rich life.

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