4th of July Celebration and the American Flag

4th of July Celebration and the American Flag

On July 4th the United States will celebrate its 230th birthday. That makes America the world's oldest surviving democracy. On this uniquely American holiday we celebrate democracy and patriotism with fireworks and displaying our flag.

John Adams wrote the following to his wife Abigail about the day: "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

George Washington did not sign Declaration of Independence because he had left Philadelphia to take charge of the Continental Army. He spent the end of 1776 outside of Boston. At Washington's request the unofficial nation's first flag was raised near his headquarters outside Boston. That flag, the Grand Union Flag or Continental Colors had the familiar 13 alternating red and white horizontal stripes and the British Union Flag where the stars are today.

Americans with a diverse range of opinions, backgrounds and experiences, universally fill with pride at the sight of the Stars and Stripes. There are many reasons the U.S. flag makes us proud. For example, the American flag remains the only nation's flag planted on the surface of the moon.

The American flag is a great national symbol. The enduring images of the Marines raising the flag during the battle of Iwo Jima, the firefighters defiantly hoisting it skyward in the remains of the "twin towers," and unfurling the flag over the still damaged Pentagon, are pictures that define the American character. With those images in mind, I voted for H.J. Res. 10 in June 2005. The resolution proposed an amendment to the Constitution to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag. The bill fell one vote shy in the Senate from being sent to the states for ratification.

This year, with my support, the House passed the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act (H.R. 42). The legislation ensures that the right of an individual to display the flag of the United States on residential property shall not be infringed upon. Recently, the bill became necessary after condominium associations, cooperative associations, and residential real estate management associations began limiting residents from reasonable displays of the American flag.

If you and your family would like to show your patriotism, U.S. flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol can be purchased from U.S. House Members and Senate offices. Flags are available in nylon as well as cotton and come in three sizes (3'x 5' - 4'x 6' - 5'x 8'). With six weeks notice, flags can be flown on a specific date for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. They come with a certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol. The certificate can be personalized to reflect the occasion - although a limited number of words can be used. For complete information and ordering instructions please see my website at www.house.gov/miketurner.

For 230 years Americans have fought and many have died to protect our freedom, liberty and rights under our national symbol, the Stars and Stripes. These laws would honor those Americans and provide the dignity and respect they deserve.

http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/columns/6.29.06.shtml