STATEMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
REGARDING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

"The Justice Department will defend the ability of our nation's children to pledge allegiance to the American flag, by requesting a rehearing en banc by the full Ninth Circuit. At this time when citizens from all backgrounds have come together to express their solidarity as Americans, this Justice Department will spare no effort to preserve the rights of all Americans. These efforts include ensuring that the youngest among us can express their patriotism through the time-honored tradition of voluntarily reciting the pledge."

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02-376