[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10882]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DALE HEMPHILL, FOUNDER OF THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2017

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dale 
Hemphill, a U.S. Navy veteran from Mishawaka, Indiana, on creating the 
Spirit of America Foundation and designing the Spirit of America flag 
to promote patriotism and appreciation for our nation's veterans.
  The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded 
in 2001 that works to identify and prioritize veterans' health issues, 
create a network among other veterans service organizations, coordinate 
fundraising, establish support groups, and provide information and 
educational resources. The Spirit of America flag Dale created 
symbolizes the mission of the foundation and serves as a powerful 
tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our 
country.
  Dale served in the U.S. Navy for six years and embodies the values of 
a true patriot. He designed the Spirit of America flag with great 
attention to detail: each aspect of the flag serves to commemorate what 
our veterans have done to preserve our freedom in a special way. For 
example, the color red on the banner symbolizes bloodshed, and the 
color blue represents valor and bravery. Not only does the flag honor 
our veterans by listing every conflict Americans have served in, it 
also recognizes the civilians, firefighters, police officers, and 
paramedics who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  Dale has given his flag to people all over the world, including four 
American presidents, every Indiana senator, governor, and 
representative, and the last surviving American WWI veteran, Frank 
Buckles. Nicknamed ``Old Glory's Companion,'' this patriotic flag flies 
over multiple U.S. military bases.
  Dale's love of country is evident to anyone who knows him. He has 
dedicated both his professional life and free time to serving and 
honoring his country and those who have fought to protect it. Even his 
car reflects his patriotism, decorated with both the Spirit of America 
flag and the American flag.
  His incredible commitment of time and talent and his positive impact 
on veterans should inspire us all. I am so grateful to Dale for the 
worthy mission he defends.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Dale 
Hemphill for his unwavering patriotism and his commitment to honoring 
his fellow veterans. He has truly left a mark on the northern Indiana 
community and the entire nation, and I look forward to the great things 
that lie ahead in his future.

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