WHEREAS, It is an honor for the Washington State House of Representatives to recognize patriotism and loyalty to the United States and the American flag for which it stands; and
     WHEREAS, On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress by resolution adopted the stars and stripes as the flag of our then infant country; and
     WHEREAS, John Adams introduced the bill for a national flag proposing that our country adopt a design consisting of 13 stripes representing the 13 original colonies and a constellation of 13 stars representing the union that these colonies had so recently formed; and
     WHEREAS, June 14, 1877, was first officially observed as Flag Day throughout these United States on the 100th anniversary of our flag's adoption, and in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress; and
     WHEREAS, On Flag Day, Americans proudly display the flag at homes and offices, on public buildings, and in our schools in honor of the country and all those who have faithfully served under this great symbol of freedom; and
     WHEREAS, The oldest continuing Flag Day parade is in Fairfield, Washington, beginning in 1909-1910. Fairfield has held a parade almost every year since, and it celebrated the "Centennial Flag Day" parade in 2010; and
     WHEREAS, The American flag is universally recognized around the world as representative of the principles of personal freedom, limited and divided government under the rule of law, a constitutional republic, a representative democracy, and liberty and justice for all; and
     WHEREAS, The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was first used in public schools on October 12, 1892, during Columbus Day observances; and
     WHEREAS, The Pledge of Allegiance states, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State House of Representatives and the Senate open each new Legislative Day with the presentment of the flags and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; and
     WHEREAS, We pay a special tribute to all our veterans, current members in the Armed Forces, and all those who fought to defend the flag and all it represents and who sacrificed their lives and well-being to protect our nation and our way of life; and
     WHEREAS, Throughout the year, Americans and many others of all ages express their affection and devotion to our country through countless acts of patriotism, selflessness, and sacrifice; and
     WHEREAS, America has strived to preserve the rights secured to us in the Constitution and Bill of Rights and to ensure that all enjoy the full protection of those rights; and
     WHEREAS, American citizens and guests alike acknowledge the importance of family and freedom in establishing and preserving a strong and good America; and
     WHEREAS, Americans have the courage not only to recognize our differences, but also to build on the dreams we share and the values we hold in common, and to reaffirm our unique belief in freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity under law for all people;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize the importance of the United States flag and all it stands for; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize all those who exhibit their patriotism and loyalty to these United States of America.