STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE MIKE DOYLE (PA-18)
In Honor of Flag Day
Good Afternoon. It is a pleasure to see all of you here today to join in recognizing and
celebrating Flag Day. I want to thank the Oakmont Elks for inviting me to speak and extend
my sincerest greeting to our nation's veterans who are present today, as well as the members
of the boy scouts and their families.
Our flag embodies our American ideals, American history, and the American spirit. Beginning with the Colonies, and coming down to our time, in its sacred heraldry, in its glorious insignia, it has gathered and stored chiefly this supreme idea: the divine right of liberty in every individual.
In 1777, the Continential Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the young United States of America. Describing the new flag, the Congress wrote, "White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies Vigilance, Perserverance and Justice," with the stars symbolizing the heavens and the divine goal to which humanity has aspired to from the beginning of time.
We, the inheritors of freedom's legacy, owe our liberites to the fact that our Founders saw the need for dramatic change and acted upon it. Long before President Truman's official designation of National Flag Day in 1949, our hosts today, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, began celebrating our flag on June 14th in 1907. As it continues today, Patriotism is a cornerstone of the Elks organization. The Elks prompted President Wilson to recognize the Elk's observance of Flag Day for its patriotic expression. But it was not until President Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that June 14th would be a day of national observance for the symbol of our country that Flag Day as we know it today began to be celebrated.
Simple in design, yet powerful in its effect, our Flag's stars and stripes have long inspired our people to achievements far beyond their abilities, and illustrated to the world our commitment to core values of liberty and freedom. Just as we pay our respects to our flag, we must recognize every woman and man who has served in our Armed Forces.
In our history, more than one million individuals have given their lives fighting for this Nation. Their sacrifices have allowed many generations of Americans to live in freedom, peace, and security for most of our nation's existence. To those families here today, who have lost loved ones in America's wartime activities, our nation is indebted to you for their sacrifice. While words can not replace your loss, you should be proud and take comfort in the fact that their dedication has helped to keep our nation, and the entire world, safer for democracy.
It is of the utmost importance that each generation be dedicated and consecrated anew, to defend our country with life itself, if need be. But above all, we must conduct our lives in friendliness, in hope, and in courage. This creed is directly reflected in the provisions of Scout Law. It is my hope that the Scouts here today will not abandon these worthy principles, but will cultivate them throughout their lives. Your contribution to this service is greatly appreciated.
I implore our young people to face life's challenges with a sense of purpose and optimism, and to guard against cynicism and personal isolation. We must never lose sight of how our personal sense of community and respect for our country has a profound effect on us all.
I am pleased to say two days ago, the U.S. House of Representatives considered House Joint Resolution 54 which would prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag. It is my strong belief that every color of our flag means liberty, every thread means liberty, every star and stripe means liberty - not liberty in the sense of lawlessness, but liberty through law and laws to protect liberty.
While much of what the Congress considers derives its momentum from within the halls of Washington, the genesis and steadfast support of this legislation comes directly from the American people. In fact, 49 states have called upon Congress to protect the American flag.
Prohibiting the desecration of our flag does not deny individuals their thoughts or opinions, but preserves our national symbol of freedom as the most visible form of the ideals of the American people. Indeed, our freedom of speech is a result of the hard fought efforts of those who contributed to our nation's independence and unity.
As an original cosponsor in both the 104th and 105th Congress, I was honored to voice my support for the right of our citizens to protect the American flag. This bill passed the House by a 310-114 vote.
For those individuals who feel differently about this legislation, I would respectfully encourage them to find more productive ways to express themselves, rather than involve themselves in an act of destruction. In the wake of our country's first hand experience with domestic terrorism and racial tension, this bill provided an excellent opportunity to reiterate our commitment to, and respect for, our national history of uniting our diverse population.
The history of Pittsburgh is steeped in the richness of different ethnicities. I am the grandson of emigrants from Italy and Ireland. My grandparents and your's learned first-hand the meaning of the freedom and opportunity that resounds within our borders. They were transformed by their newly-found liberties in America. In turn, the flag was sacred to them, symbolizing the meaning of a new life. For all us here today, the flag has provided our families a sanctuary where we can can feel free to love and grow and dream.
As we celebrate Flag Day, we must all rededicate ourselves to the conviction that our precious freedoms require constant reaffirmation.
It has been an extreme pleasure to speak with you today. Thank you.