[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 3087]]
             CONGRESSIONAL RECORD 

                United States
                 of America



February 24, 1999


                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

                       FLAG PROTECTION AMENDMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 1999

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Flag 
Protection Amendment, introduced by Congressman Duke Cunningham (R-CA) 
and Congressman John Murtha (D-PA). This bill will ensure that our flag 
receives the utmost respect and Constitutional protection it deserves.
  I strongly believe flag desecration is a slap in the face to all 
those who fought and died for our freedom. This symbol is more then a 
simple matter of pride, the flag binds us together as a nation. We 
pledge our allegiance to it, many people are buried with the flag 
draping their casket, the least we can do is protect it.
  According to a national survey conducted by the Gallup Organization, 
three out of four Americans favor passage of the Flag Protection 
Amendment. We owe the passage of this Amendment to every American. What 
better way to do the business of the people, than to protect our symbol 
of national unity.
  Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan Amendment is highly valued by a clear 
majority of Americans. Forty-nine states have petitioned Congress for a 
Flag Protection Amendment. The fact is Americans want our flag 
protected.
  The American flag is a national treasure. It is the ultimate symbol 
of freedom, equal opportunity and religious tolerance. Amending our 
Constitution to protect the flag is a necessity.

                          ____________________