Freedom to Fly Old Glory on the 4th of July
Washington,
Jun 27, 2006 -
In preparation for the celebration of America’s Independence on the 4th of July, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett applauded the unanimous approval by the House of Representatives of his bill, “The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005” (H.R. 42) that would ensure the right of an individual to display the flag of the United States on their residential property. The bill is one of ten included on The American Values Agenda being released today by the House Congressional leadership. Passage of the bill was also supported by 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, and the National Independent Flag Dealer’s Association.
“I was alarmed to learn from my constituent Hugh Warner, who is a flag dealer, that some homeowners associations and condos prevent Americans from flying the American flag at their homes,” said Congressman Bartlett. “That’s why I introduced this bill. H.R. 42 will guarantee Americans the freedom to display the American flag in front of their homes.”
“We are thrilled that our Congress has made this a priority for our American citizens. We thank Congressman Bartlett for his role in getting this done,” said Lori Watson, President of the National Independent Flag Dealer’s Association. “We are the only Association committed in our bylaws that the United States flags we sell are manufactured in the United States with all U.S.-made components. Each one of us in every state has had customers affected by not being able to fly their flags at their condos. I’ve had WWII veterans in tears, calling me and begging us for years for our help so that they can fly the American flag. This is just great news.”
The bill states, “A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.” The bill specifically permits “any reasonable restriction pertaining to the time, place, or manner of displaying the flag of the United States necessary to protect a substantial interest of the condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association.”
