Candice S. Miller: “I rise today to defend not only the flag of the United States, but also what it stands for and for those who have…”

“I rise today to defend not only the flag of the United States, but also what it stands for and for those who have defended it throughout our Nation's history. The American flag is the greatest symbol of hope and freedom in the world. Countless Americans have fought and died for the freedom that our flag represents, and the desecration of our great flag is an assault on their sacrifice. Police officers and firefighters, as well, wear the flag on their sleeves each and every day as they do their duty to protect our communities. And on September 11, every American witnessed those brave firefighters raising Old Glory out of the rubble of the World Trade Center. That was a symbol of America's resolve that our freedom will reign even in the face of unprecedented terror. To allow the desecration of the flag is to give hope to those whose goal it is to destroy our freedom. I urge my colleagues to stand up for the freedom that the flag represents, to stand up for those who have fought and died to defend our freedom, to stand up for those who protect our communities and our Nation, to stand up for our flag.”