For Release: Thursday, September 23, 2004
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO HONORED BY VETERANS FOR SUPPORT OF US FLAG
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Columbia, IL - On , Monday, September 20, 2004, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) was honored by the American Legion and the Citizens Flag Alliance for his support of the Flag Protection Constitutional Amendment.
Costello was given the Citizens Flag Alliance award for his support of a constitutional amendment to protect the U.S. flag at a short ceremony held at American Legion Post 581 in Columbia, Illinois. Costello was presented the award by Jerry Ward, American Legion 22nd District Commander.
Since 1989, the American Legion has worked with the U.S. Congress to develop legislation to protect the flag. In 1994, the American Legion organized the Citizen's Flag Alliance, a national coalition of more than 140 civic, fraternal and patriotic organizations working to secure the passage of a constitutional amendment to prohibit the desecration of the U.S. flag.
The American Legion became actively involved with flag protection issues after a 1989 Supreme Court decision that declared flag desecration free speech. Since then, all fifty states have petitioned for a constitutional amendment to pass a law to prohibit flag burning. Costello has co-sponsored legislation protecting the U.S. Flag and has voted for the amendment to protect the flag each time it has been voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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