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PRINTER'S NO. 1226
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
208
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY REGAN, SCARNATI, GORDNER, ALLOWAY, ARGALL,
LANGERHOLC, MARTIN, McILHINNEY, RESCHENTHALER, SCAVELLO,
STEFANO, WARD, WHITE AND YAW, OCTOBER 4, 2017
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, OCTOBER 4, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Reaffirming the historical and symbolic significance of the flag
and national anthem of the United States of America;
referencing federally prescribed standards for conduct during
a rendition of the national anthem when the flag is
displayed; and expressing the prevailing sentiment of the
Senate of Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The Second Continental Congress, meeting in
Philadelphia, adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag
of the United States on June 14, 1777; and
WHEREAS, The American flag has endured for more than two
centuries as a sacred symbol of our nation's history and ideals;
and
WHEREAS, Over time, the flag's design has evolved to keep
pace with our nation's development and growth, but its meaning
as a symbol of democracy and freedom has remained constant; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has a proud legacy of reverence
for the flag of the United States, becoming the first state to
celebrate Flag Day as an official State holiday on June 14,
1937; and
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WHEREAS, In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a
proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day and
in August 1946, National Flag Day was established by an act of
Congress; and
WHEREAS, Over 1.3 million brave American men and women have
perished fighting in defense of the flag of the United States;
and
WHEREAS, Under 36 U.S.C. § 301(a), "the composition
consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled
Banner is the national anthem"; and
WHEREAS, The Star-Spangled Banner became the national anthem
of the United States by a resolution of Congress on March 3,
1931; and
WHEREAS, The words of the Star-Spangled Banner were written
by Francis Scott Key after witnessing an American triumph over
British military forces attacking Fort McHenry, Baltimore, in
September 1814; and
WHEREAS, The performance of the national anthem is intended
to convey national unity and patriotism; and
WHEREAS, Appropriate conduct during the national anthem is
prescribed in Federal statute; and
WHEREAS, 36 U.S.C. § 301(b)(1)(C) states that during a
rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed,
nonmilitary individuals "should face the flag and stand at
attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in
uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their
right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over
the heart"; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate express the prevailing sentiment
that the flag and national anthem of the United States of
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America, both being objects of sacred historical and cultural
significance, should be shown appropriate reverence; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That appropriate conduct during the national
anthem, being prescribed in Federal statute, should be adhered
to by American citizens; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the Commissioner of the National Football League and to the
owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles
football franchises.
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