Rodney Frelinghuysen: “this Saturday, June 14, America will celebrate Flag Day. Millions of American men and women all across the country…”

“this Saturday, June 14, America will celebrate Flag Day. Millions of American men and women all across the country retrieved their Star Spangled Banner from the basement or attic and proudly displayed it to honor the day. For many families, the flag itself is a tradition. Perhaps it was granddad's flag, or a gift from a son or daughter serving in the military. Perhaps it even draped the coffin of a sister or brother who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. Whatever the case--the American flag means something special and personal to each and every one of us. It represents our freedom, our dreams, our liberty, and our common bond. It is the emblem of unity to which every fourth-grader has pledged their allegiance at one time or another. In the House of Representatives, we begin every day with that same pledge. We pledge allegiance to the flag because of 'the Republic for which it stands.' As a veteran, I believe that our flag is our Nation's most enduring symbol. It is unfortunate and saddening that some disagree. They use the flag to express an opinion or to make some kind of statement. I think this is complete idiocy. Burning our flag is simply wrong and should be outlawed. As an original cosponsor of a constitutional amendment to ban flag desecration, I am working with almost 300 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to protect the flag and what it stands for.”