[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10887]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                                FLAG DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2000

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of a 
day that would not exist without the sacrifices endured by brave men 
and women throughout our country's distinguished history. Although 
today is known as Flag Day, it symbolizes much more.
  When describing the American flag, George Washington once said, ``We 
take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separate 
it by white in stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her . 
. .''.
  Well, over 200 years later, our flag continues to symbolize the 
independence fought for by Washington as well as countless others.
  From the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War, our men and women in 
uniform risked--and lost--their lives to promote democracy, and defend 
the liberties we cherish. These brave men and women defended the most 
basic belief which our flag symbolizes--that freedom is worth putting 
our lives in harm's way to preserve.
  These were real people, not simply statistics in a history book or 
names chiseled in stone. They were young men and women with mothers, 
fathers, dreams and fears just like the rest of us.
  When I visit schools back home, and children ask me questions about 
the American flag or Pledge of Allegiance, I tell them there is more to 
the flag than pretty colors. If you look behind those stars and stripes 
you unveil a story of determination and sacrifice.
  As we take time out of our lives to honor those who fought to protect 
our flag, we must never forget that we stand together as a great, 
proud, and free Nation because of their sacrifices.
  The American flag is a fitting reminder of their devotion.

                          ____________________