Jeremiah Smith: “the resolution that I am submitting today provides that immediately following the prayer such as we just heard this…”

“the resolution that I am submitting today provides that immediately following the prayer such as we just heard this morning by Chaplain Ogilvie, at the beginning of each daily session of the Senate, the Presiding Officer of the Senate would lead the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. I am pleased and honored that the chairman of the Rules Committee, Senator McConnell, as well as Senator Feinstein, Senator Helms, an Senator Lott, have joined me as original cosponsors of this resolution. The flag of the United States is our most revered and preeminent symbol, and the flag is recognized and respected throughout the world as a symbol of democracy, freedom, and human rights. As you know, the House of Representatives has such a flag salute in the morning at the beginning of each day. I think it is appropriate that the Senate follow suit. It is probably long overdue. The Chief Justice of the United States, William Rehnquist, has written that the flag of the United States of America "in times of national crisis, inspires and motivates the average citizen to make personal sacrifices in order to achieve societal goals of overriding importance . . . and serves as a reminder of the paramount importance of pursuing the ideals that characterize our society." Many Americans, including my father, have given their lives to protect freedom and democracy as symbolized by this flag.”