Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009, which will prohibit a condominium association, cooperative association, or real estate management association from preventing a resident from displaying a military service flag on his or her property or living space. This important measure will ensure that the families of our servicemen and servicewomen have the right to honor their brave loved ones for their service to this country.

* I would like to thank Chairman Frank for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman Boccieri. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Boccieri for his service to this nation and I thank him for helping to ensure that no American is deprived of the opportunity to honor a family member who is courageously defending our country.

* Madam Speaker, I am deeply saddened by accounts of individuals being required by condominium and apartment owners to remove the service flags flown in their windows or on their porches in honor of family members serving overseas. Every American deserves the right to honor a loved one serving in the military. Our Nation should never discourage expressions of support for its troops. Fortunately, this legislation will ensure that never again will a mother be told that she cannot honor her son or daughter, whose service fills her with pride and for whose wellbeing and safety she prays daily.

* Madam Speaker, California's 37th district is home to over 24,000 veterans and hundreds of brave men and women currently enlisted in the Armed Forces, many of whom are fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am forever grateful for their service and consistently work to ensure that they receive recognition for their courage and the support they need upon returning home. I stand in solidarity with their families in honoring their bravery and hoping that those who are currently deployed soon return home to be reunited with their loved ones.

* With Memorial Day just over a week away it is important that we take time to honor and express our gratitude for the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. We must also commit ourselves to standing by the families of our brave men and women in uniform. My district has a long history of supporting military families. Long Beach is home to the Gold Star Manor, which provides affordable and quality housing to mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their country. We must continue supporting the family members of our men and women in uniform and always express our gratitude for our troops' willingness to risk their lives on behalf of our Nation.

* I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2546.

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