Jordan Applauds Move to Allow “God” on Flag Certificates
May 7, 2009
Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) today thanked acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayres and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for indicating their willingness to allow religious expressions to be printed on the certificates accompanying flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Jordan joined fellow Ohio Congressman Mike Turner (R-Centerville) this week in calling for the policy change after a 17-year-old constituent of Turner's was denied the opportunity to have his flag certificate inscribed: "This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, country, and family."
"Allowing ‘God' to be printed on flag certificates at the request of our constituents is the right decision," said Jordan. "Washington insiders sometimes forget that the Capitol and these flags belong to the American people, and no one from the government should censor the religious expressions they want printed on the flag certificates."
Jordan said the issue struck a nerve with residents of his district, and he believes the flood of phone calls and e-mails from concerned residents helped change Mrs. Pelosi's mind on the issue.
Pelosi initially scoffed at the idea on Tuesday, saying at a press conference "I don't know what [Turner's] point is." Today, she reversed her position and allowed Turner and Jordan's recommendations to be enacted.
"This is a great first step, and reaffirms the importance of citizens standing up and speaking out about issues that matter to them," said Jordan. "I am proud of the progress we've made on this issue so far, and I will continue working with Mr. Turner to make sure the new policy is enacted correctly."
Jordan joined fellow Ohio Congressman Mike Turner (R-Centerville) this week in calling for the policy change after a 17-year-old constituent of Turner's was denied the opportunity to have his flag certificate inscribed: "This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, country, and family."
"Allowing ‘God' to be printed on flag certificates at the request of our constituents is the right decision," said Jordan. "Washington insiders sometimes forget that the Capitol and these flags belong to the American people, and no one from the government should censor the religious expressions they want printed on the flag certificates."
Jordan said the issue struck a nerve with residents of his district, and he believes the flood of phone calls and e-mails from concerned residents helped change Mrs. Pelosi's mind on the issue.
Pelosi initially scoffed at the idea on Tuesday, saying at a press conference "I don't know what [Turner's] point is." Today, she reversed her position and allowed Turner and Jordan's recommendations to be enacted.
"This is a great first step, and reaffirms the importance of citizens standing up and speaking out about issues that matter to them," said Jordan. "I am proud of the progress we've made on this issue so far, and I will continue working with Mr. Turner to make sure the new policy is enacted correctly."