June 10, 2004

“The American flag is recognized worldwide as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy,” Hall said.  “It serves to remind our children to respect our common heritage and to remember those who have died defending the nation this flag represents.”  Congressman Hall encouraged Americans to fly their flag on June 14 in a show of patriotism and solidarity.

“While most Americans honor and protect the flag, some citizens desecrate it in the name of free speech and expression,” Hall noted.  In 1990, the Supreme Court struck down a Federal law against flag burning, and Congress has been working to protect the flag ever since.  Hall maintained that the best way to defend the Stars and Stripes is to pass a constitutional amendment that would make it a crime to desecrate the flag.

“As our troops are fighting to protect our freedom and values, we too can fight as citizens to protect our national symbol,” Hall stressed.  Although passing a constitutional amendment is difficult and requires a two-thirds vote by both the House of Representatives and Senate and ratification by three-quarters of the state legislatures, it has already passed the first hurdle when the House passed the resolution on June 3, 2003 by a vote of 300 to 125.  Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch sponsored a companion proposal that the committee approved on June 2.  The Senate is expected to vote on the amendment on or before June 14.   

            “It is time for the Senate to uphold the voice of the people and vote in favor of this resolution,” Hall proclaimed.  “Old Glory deserves nothing less.”