[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29402]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             THE HONOR FLAG

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 3, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, the American Flag always brings our 
Nation together in good or bad times. Shortly after the tragic 
September 11, 2001 attacks on our great Country, Americans all over the 
world raised up `old glory' in patriotic understanding of the events 
which had just befallen our country. One of these many flags was the 
symbol of our nation's perseverance, humbly flown over Ground Zero. 
This flag continues to fly today all around this great Nation in 
support of our heroes, because of Texas Patriot Chris Heisler.
  In the wake of September 11th, Chris Heisler, felt compelled to take 
action after witnessing his country come under attack. Chris was 
instrumental in organizing one of the longest police motorcades in the 
history of the United States; carrying a flag that was gifted to him by 
the Texas House of Representatives he set out for Ground Zero. The 
American flag is a symbol to revere, respect, and honor and Chris' 
profound respect for America's symbol should be commended.
  Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, patriotism surged in the United 
States. Many new recruits enlisted to help fight the war on terrorism. 
Chris Heisler was part of this movement, and at the age of 34 he put 
his business career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army. While serving 
his country, Chris carried his revered flag with him to Kuwait, Qatar, 
and Iraq so it could fly with soldiers in combat zones.
  Soon soldiers would refer to this flag as one of honor, and the flag 
is now named the United States Honor Flag. The United States Honor Flag 
continues to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line 
of duty protecting the freedoms we all hold dear. Chris Heisler's 
patriotism is a lesson for us all.
  Madam Speaker, betterment in our country often originates from the 
efforts of just one person. The establishment of the Honor Flag serves 
as an important reminder of the daily sacrifices our Nations heroes 
make, and recognizes the freedoms of Old Glory. In recognition of Chris 
Heisler's patriotism, in remembrance of the tragic events on September 
11, 2001 and for those who continue to fight to preserve our liberty, I 
am proud to salute Chris Heisler for his loyalty to America, and to the 
United States Flag.
  And that's just the way it is.

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