Patrick Leahy: “Another American who honorably served our country, Gary May, Chairman of Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights, wrote in…”

“Another American who honorably served our country, Gary May, Chairman of Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights, wrote in a letter: This country is unique and special because the minority, the unpopular, the dissident also have a voice. The freedom of expression, even when it hurts the most, is the truest test of our dedication to the principles that our flag represents. I ask unanimous consent a copy of his letter be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Veterans Defending The Bill of Rights, Newburgh, IN, May 4, 2006. Re Oppose S.J. Res. 12, the Flag Desecration Constitutional Amendment. Dear Senator: My name is Gary May. I am writing to you today as the chair of a group called Veterans Defending the Bill of Rights to urge you to oppose S.J. Res. 12, the flag desecration constitutional amendment. I know you hear from some who say veterans support this amendment, but you should also know that there are many veterans that have faithfully served our nation who strongly believe that amending the Constitution to ban flag desecration is the antithesis of freedoms they fought to preserve. I lost both my legs in combat while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. I challenge anyone to find someone who loves this country, its people and what it stands for more than I do. It offends me when I see the flag burned or treated disrespectfully.…”