Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 2.djvu/220

 99 STAT. 1330

PUBLIC LAW 99-193—DEC. 19, 1985

Public Law 99-193 99th Congress Joint Resolution Dec. 19, 1985

To designate the year of 1986 as the "Year of the Flag".

Whereas the flag of the United States is a symbol of our Nation and its ideals, traditions, and institutions; Whereas the flag is also symbolic of the territorial development of the Nation, and the tremendous effort, sacrifice, and love of country that made such development possible; Whereas the stars of the flag signify the number of States in the Union today and the stripes signify the number of States in the original Union; Whereas the colors of the flag signify qualities of the human spirit which all Americans should strive for: red for hardiness and courage, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance and justice; Whereas awareness and appreciation of their Nation's ideals, traditions, development, and accomplishments are important in inspiring and guiding citizens' efforts in carrying the American legacy into the future; Whereas citizen interest in and appreciation of the flag and its development, meaning, and relationship to the American heritage is vitally important, so that it may always serve as an effective reminder of the ideals, accomplishments, and lessons of history for which it stands; Whereas citizen awareness, interest, and appreciation of the flag and its relationship to the American heritage has declined in recent years, thereby threatening its effectiveness in reminding citizens of their heritage and inspiring them in their daily lives; Whereas there is a need for renewed interest in the flag, and a promotion of awareness of its relationship to the Nation's Constitution, values, heritage, and accomplishments; Whereas a commemorative year would serve to heighten such interest in and awareness of the flag, by encouraging efforts to educate citizens regarding the relationship of the flag to their heritage, and celebrations honoring the flag; Whereas 1986 is the two hundredth anniversary of the first call for a Federal constitutional convention; Whereas 1986 is the year of the rededication of the Statue of Liberty; and Whereas the two hundredth anniversary of the first call for a Federal constitutional convention is an appropriate occasion to

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