Tom Carper: “earlier today I was given the opportunity to speak on the Senate floor about the constitutional amendment that is before…”

“earlier today I was given the opportunity to speak on the Senate floor about the constitutional amendment that is before us. Time ran out before I was able to conclude my remarks. I would like to do that at this time. One of the heroes of the Vietnam war in which I served was a former POW named Jim Warner. I would like to close my comments today with his words. It is an extensive quote, but I want to quote all of his letter. Here is what he said: In March of 1973, when we were released from a prisoner of war camp in North Vietnam, we were flown to Clark Air Force base in the Philippines. As I stepped out of the aircraft, I looked up and saw the flag. I caught my breath, then, as tears filled my eyes. I saluted it. I never loved my country more than at that moment. Although I have received the Silver Star Medal and two Purple Hearts, they were nothing compared with the gratitude I felt then for having been allowed to serve the cause of freedom. Because the mere sight of the flag meant so much to me when I saw it for the first time, after five and one-half years, It hurts me to see other Americans willfully desecrate it. But I have been in a Communist prison where I looked into the pit of hell. I cannot compromise with those who want to punish the flag burners. Let me explain myself. Early in the imprisonment, the Communists told us that we did not have to stay there.…”