[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13751]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO PROHIBIT PHYSICAL 
              DESECRATION OF THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2001

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 
36, legislation which proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States allowing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of 
the flag of the United States. I am a proud cosponsor of this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, our flag is not just cloth; it is a potent symbol of our 
history and the march of freedom. Our flag has flown over the 
battlefields of the Revolutionary War, inspired our national anthem as 
it remained aloft over Fort McHenry, stood for national unity in the 
Civil War, served as a clarion call to freedom in two world wars, and 
even stands on the moon as a symbol of peaceful exploration on behalf 
of mankind.
  For millions of people around the world, the American flag represents 
a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and respect for human 
rights. It is a living representation of mankind's aspiration for 
freedom.
  Millions of veterans have rallied to our flag in time of crisis. 
These men and women have fought and died under the Stars and Stripes to 
defend our nation and to liberate people overseas who have been caught 
in the web of tyranny. The blood of our veterans has been shed to 
protect our flag and all that it stands for. Many of our veterans have 
sacrificed their lives so that our flag could continue to fly.
  To allow our flag, which represents all Americans--which holds out to 
the world the promise of liberty--to be desecrated, would be an affront 
to the people of this country and others around the world who are 
stirred by this symbol of democracy. Freedom of speech is an important 
American right. But freedom of speech is not a license to desecrate the 
fabric of our freedom. It is proper, and it is time, to protect our 
cherished flag from abuse with a Constitutional amendment.
  Mr. Speaker, the American flag stands not for one political party or 
one ideology. The flag represents all Americans, regardless of their 
race, color, or creed. Desecrating the flag is an insult to all 
Americans, and a slur upon all those who have sacrificed for the United 
States. It is with pride that I vote today to protect our flag from 
violence and to enshrine this protection in the Constitution.

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