Thursday, June 14th, is Flag Day. Each year on this day, we celebrate the birthday of our flag, which originated as a result of a resolution adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1777. Although Flag Day is not celebrated as a federal holiday, Americans everywhere should pause to honor the history and heritage this symbol of our nation represents.

Throughout our history, the sight of the Stars and Stripes has inspired countless displays of courage and patriotism. On the night of September 13, 1814, the British bombarded Fort McHenry in the harbor at Baltimore, Maryland. Francis Scott Key, a 34-year old lawyer and poet, watched the attack from the deck of a British prisoner-exchange ship. As the battle ceased the following morning, Key turned his telescope towards Fort McHenry and was astonished to see the American Flag still waving. The sight so inspired him that he pulled a letter from his pocket and began to write the poem that eventually was adopted as our National Anthem-"The Star Spangled Banner."

Following the War of 1812, a great wave of nationalistic spirit spread throughout our young nation. The infant Republic had successfully defied the might of an empire. As this spirit spread, the Stars and Stripes became a symbol of American sovereignty, and is a vital part of who we, as Americans, are today. Old Glory has flown proudly over our greatest military triumphs for over two centuries. The enduring image of our brave soldiers raising the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima causes every American to well up with pride.

I am pleased to honor this patriotic spirit in the United States House of Representatives. In the current session of the107th Congress, I have cosponsored three bills proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. During my service in Congress, I have been a strong and consistent supporter of legislative efforts to protect and honor our flag. I will continue to work toward the passage of these important initiatives.

As we honor our nation's flag, let us always remember the words of President Woodrow Wilson, who said: "This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us-speaks to us of the past, of the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon it.

"We celebrate the day of its birth; and from its birth until now it has witnessed a great history, has floated on high the symbol of great events, of a great plan of life worked out by a great people." On this Flag Day, I urge all my fellow North Carolinians to join with me in saluting the American Flag.

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