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Statement for the Congressional Record
The Honorable Bob Etheridge
In support of display the flag of the United States
September 13, 2001

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that every United States citizen should display the flag of the United States as a symbol of solidarity following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. We must stand together in the wake of these outrageous attacks on our great nation.

First and foremost, I want to express my sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families. We pray that the Good Lord in His mercy will comfort the innocent and help them find a path to perseverance. And we resolve that their loss will never be forgotten in this country where we share in their profoundly immeasurable grief.

I commend the many acts of heroism we have witnessed performed by civilians, police, firefighters and countless others. The response of the American people has been overwhelming as people give of their time, their money, their prayers and their blood to assist our fallen brothers and sisters. Americans of all walks of life have shown their true colors in this crisis, and those colors are unmistakably red, white and blue.

Mr. Speaker, throughout our history, the sight of the Stars and Stripes has inspired countless displays of courage and patriotism in the face of adversity. On the night of September 13, 1814, the British bombarded Fort McHenry in the harbor at Baltimore, Maryland. Francis Scott Key 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." The Stars and Stripes is a symbol of American sovereignty, and is a vital part of who we, as Americans, are today.

Mr. Speaker, two days ago, we witnessed multiple acts of extreme cowardice, perpetrated by individuals so twisted with hate as to slaughter innocent civilians. In the wake of this awful tragedy, we must look to our flag as a symbol of American resolve, strength and solidarity. America stands today bruised and bloodied, but she stands nonetheless. We will fight to maintain our freedom, and the Stars and Stripes will fly proudly above us as we do so.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and may God bless America.

 

   
   
   
   

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