Alaskan Congressman Don Young joined his colleagues this afternoon to present Andrew Larochelle the American flag certificate he originally requested, before the Architect of the Capitol chose to censor references to God.
Rep. Young had signed onto a letter directed at Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Architect, Stephen T. Ayers, asking that the rule on religious references be amended to reflect the true sentiment of the Country, and not the personal beliefs of the Architect. He also signed on to the Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act of 2007 (H.R.3779). H.R. 3779 would reverse the Architect of the Capitol’s current policy prohibiting the inclusion of religious references on the flag certificates for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.
“It is disgraceful that this kind of censorship is allowed to take place,†said Rep. Young. “This is the People’s House; it represents a Nation that was founded on the belief that all things are equal ‘Under God.’
“Andrew was trying to present an American flag to his grandfather ‘for his dedication and love of God, Country and family.’ It is shameful that it was ever thought acceptable to censor Andrew’s request, and disrespectful beyond measure. I’m glad to see that the Architect has since rethought his decision, but saddened that we ever had to have this discussion.
“I thank Andrew for his dedication to his Country, and for being here today so that we may present him with the proper certificate to accompany his American flag.â€
After receipt of the letter Rep. Young signed (along with 137 other Members), and of the bill, the Architect of the Capitol has reversed his decision to censor references to God on the flag certificates.
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