Chuck Hagel: “I rise today to speak I support of the joint resolution, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Utah, Senator…”

“I rise today to speak I support of the joint resolution, introduced by my distinguished colleague from Utah, Senator Orrin Hatch, proposing an amendment to the Constitution authorizing Congress to prohibit physical desecration of the American flag. From the birth of our nation, the flag has represented all that is good and decent about our country. On countless occasions, on battlefields across the world, the Stars and Stripes led young Americans into battle. For those who paid the ultimate price for our nation, the flag blanketed their journey and graced their final resting place. Mr. President, the Flag is not just a piece of cloth. It is a symbol so sacred to our nation that we teach our children not to let it touch the ground. It flies over our schools, our churches and synagogues, our courts, our seats of government, and homes across America. It unites all Americans regardless of race, creed or color. The flag is not just a symbol of America, it is America. Those who oppose this constitutional amendment say it impinges on freedom of speech and violates our Constitution. As a veteran who was wounded twice in Vietnam protecting the principles of freedoms that Americans hold sacred, I am a strong supporter of the first amendment. However, I believe this is a hollow argument. There are many limits placed on ``free speech,'' including limiting yelling ``fire'' in a crowded theater.…”