PAULSEN COSPONSORS BILL TO PREVENT RESTRICTIONS ON DISPLAY OF SERVICE FLAGS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2009

CONTACT: Luke Friedrich (952) 405-8510 / Andrew Foxwell (202) 225-2871

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) cosponsored legislation to prevent restrictions on the display of Service flags. HR 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act of 2009 ensures the rights of an individual to display the Service flag on residential property without limitation.

The Service flag, sometimes referred to as either the Blue Star or Gold Star flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense (DOD) for display by families of members serving in the Armed Forces during a period of war.  Each blue star on the flag represents a service member in active duty, while a gold star signifies a service member killed in action or who died in service. 

“The Service flag has significant meaning to our nation and the families of men and women who are serving,” said Paulsen. “It is a symbol of the sacrifices our service members make when they put their lives on the line to protect our country.  Family members should be allowed to fly the flag in honor of those sacrifices, no matter where they live.”

This legislation is similar to the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 which prohibits a condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association from preventing residents from displaying the American flag on or around their homes.  This bill extends these same privileges to the Service flag.

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