20060725 KDDC President signs American Flag Display Act

President Signs the "Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005"

Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett present for the signing

July 24, 2006

Back in January 2005, Congressman Bartlett (R-MD) introduced H.R. 42, "Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005,” which would prevent condominium and homeowner associations from restricting how the American flag can be displayed.

It certainly may seem a no-brainer to the average American, however, as unbelievable as it seems, such legislation had become necessary. We live in an era when many privileges we had come to accept as routine, are not acceptable in a world turned upside down.

For example, I find myself bewildered that we find ourselves in a time and place in our society where School Prayer is a Crime and pornography is a protected form of free speech.

Cliff Cumber, writing for the Frederick News Post notes, “Mr. Bartlett, a Republican representing Western Maryland, said he was shocked to learn from constituent and flag dealer, Hugh Warner, that some homeowner associations and condos prevented the flying of the flag.”

Well, “shocked” is one to put it. Can someone please explain what a homeowners or condominium association was thinking when it was written in the by-laws that a person could not display a flag.

Mr. Cumber also reported: “In a press release sent in late June, National Independent Flag Dealer's Association President Lori Watson said people in every state were affected by the law that banned the flying of the U.S. flag. ‘I've had WWII veterans in tears, calling me and begging us for years for our help so they can fly the American flag,’ she said.”

Unbelievable.

In many published accounts, the American flag display act is one of ten pieces of legislation being referred to as the "American Values Agenda."

Perhaps they should be referred to as the “Common Sense Acts of 2006.”

The collection is reported to include “protections for the public display of religion, tax relief for families, prohibition of cloning and defining marriage as between one man and one woman. The agenda was developed by House leadership.”

Of the flag display act, according to the White House web site, President George W. Bush said, “Today, I was pleased to sign into law the "Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005."

“Americans have long flown our flag at their homes as an expression of their appreciation for our freedoms and their pride in our Nation. As our brave men and women continue to fight to protect our country overseas, Congress has passed an important measure to protect our citizens' right to express their patriotism here at home without burdensome restrictions.”

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett’s office reports:

“Americans Now Free to Display the Their American Flags at Their Homes

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett Present When President Bush Signed H.R. 42 into Law - First American Values Agenda of House Republicans to Become Law”

“It was quick, but very exciting," said Congressman Roscoe Bartlett of the meeting in the Oval Office today with President Bush where he signed his bill, "The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005" (H.R. 42) into law.

The press release went on to say, “Effective immediately, it will ensure the right of an individual to display the flag of the United States at their home.”

The House approved it on June 27. The Senate approved it on July 17.

"It's very exciting to know that Americans are now free to fly the flag at their homes," said Congressman Bartlett. "I was alarmed when I learned that some homeowners associations and condos all over the country prevent Americans from flying the American flag.”

“It's hard to see how flying an American flag could depreciate the value of a condo. That's why I introduced this bill. H.R. 42 provides reasonable guidelines to guarantee Americans the freedom to display the American flag at their homes.

I am grateful for the support I received for this bill from the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, American Veterans (AMVETS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), the American Legion, the National Independent Flag Dealer's Association and the Community Associations Institute (CAI)."

U.S. House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement after President Bush signed into law the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act, sponsored by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD):

"Every American should be able to display the American flag on their own residential property. Simply put, homeowners associations and condominiums should not be able to restrict the rights of those wanting to display the flag at their homes. Displaying the American flag should be the right of each and every citizen and I'd like to thank Rep. Bartlett for his work on this important legislation and the values it represents for our country."

Various newspaper articles can be found here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Compiled from a press release from Congressman Bartlett’s office, various news accounts and information gathered from http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/

For additional information: Contact Lisa Lyons Wright at 202-225-2517 or 202-225-9554 or lisa.wright@mail.house.gov

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