Turner: "God Restored on Flag Certificates"

Statement

Turner: "God Restored on Flag Certificates"

On October 16, 2007, I was excited to welcome Andrew Larochelle, the 17-year-old, Eagle Scout whose flag request started the controversy about including "God" on flag certificates. Andrew and his father, Paul; grandfather, Marcel; and mother, Diane; joined nearly 20 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for a flag ceremony just a few steps from the U.S. Capitol.

The controversy began when Andrew requested a flag for his grandfather with a certificate that included the word "God," in the inscription. When the flag and certificate were delivered to Andrew the word "God" had been censored by the Architect of the Capitol (AoC). When my office inquired as to the basis of this decision, the Architect cited a rule from his office that forbids religious expression on flag certificates.

I strongly objected to the AoC's policy and drafted a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting that the policy be changed. The letter was signed by over 160 Members of Congress and sent a strong bi-partisan message to the Architect. On October 11, 2007 because of these efforts and the efforts of the Larochelles, the Architect reversed his policy and announced he would permit flag certificates with the word "God.".

My office quickly moved to have Andrew Larochelle's flag certificate reissued. I invited the Larochelle family to come to Washington for a flag presentation ceremony and they accepted.

During the flag ceremony I had the opportunity to present Andrew with a new flag certificate issued by the Architect of the Capitol. The new certificate included the complete inscription as Andrew had originally requested: "In honor of my grandfather Marcel Larochelle, for his dedication and love of God, Country, and family…"

With Members of the House and Senate in attendance and the national media present to record the ceremony, Andrew Larochelle proudly accepted the new flag certificate. He passed the certificate with the inscription that included the word "God" to a rightfully proud grandfather, Marcel - an Army Infantry veteran, who held it up for all to see.

Andrew Larochelle demonstrated modesty and humility. He thanked all the Members of Congress who had "worked so diligently towards a truly just cause." Andrew learned that one person can have an impact.

The importance of getting the AoC to change the policy reaches beyond flag certificates. The Architect has custodial responsibility for the entire Capitol, including maintaining many religious symbols and statements. For example, above the Speaker's Chair and in the Senate Chamber our national motto "In God We Trust" is inscribed, and a painting depicting the Baptism of Pocahontas is displayed in the Capitol Rotunda are just a few examples. Protecting the right to include "God" on flag certificates helps to protect the other religious symbols and statements throughout the U.S. Capitol.

To prevent future Architects from trying to prevent religious expressions on flag certificates, I introduced HR 3779, the Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act of 2007. This legislation would permanently protect the acknowledgement of religious expression on flag certificates. The bill already has a bipartisan group of over 100 cosponsors.

Ultimately, we won an important victory for American traditions, religious freedoms and freedom of expression. I want to especially acknowledge the efforts of Andrew Larochelle and his family. When Andrew asked for a simple flag request to honor his grandfather, he had no idea he would be inviting so much media attention. If Andrew and his family had not been willing to challenge the Architect's decision, we would not have won this victory.

Source