S458 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 5, 1998 VERMONT OLYMPIANS just that on the U.S. teams— any way we see fit, including its dese- ∑ Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would Dan Westover from Colchester, Robert cration for the purpose of political pro- like to take a moment to honor the Rosser of Underhill, Kristina Viljanen- test. I want to commend Senator twenty-two Vermonters who will be Sabasteanski of Richmond, Deborah HATCH for once again leading us in this representing our country this week at Nordyke from Jericho, Kara Salmela of very worthwhile cause. the XVIIIth Winter Olympics in Bolton Valley, Algis Shalna (head Mr. President, with the introduction , . Perhaps Chris Graff of coach) from Williston, and Timothy of this resolution, we resume our effort the said it best when Derrick (assistant Coach) of Jericho. to protect the greatest symbol of the he noted in an article that appeared in Head Coach Shalna brings with him American experience. There is no more the Rutland Herald that Vermont pro- Olympic experience having competed powerful symbol of freedom, democ- duces more than its share of Olym- for the ’s Gold Medal win- racy, and our commitment to those pians, ‘‘. . . a fact that should surprise ning team in the . principles that the American flag, and no one. There is something about The group has been training at a state- it is altogether just that we try to en- Vermonters and the Vermont spirit of-the-art Vermont National Guard fa- sure that it is publicly displayed with that is so keenly associated with the cility in Jericho—which will be hosting pride, dignity, and honor. Make no mis- Olympic spirit.’’ Maybe it is the mix of the World Junior Biathlon Champion- take, Mr. President, the flag is not severe weather, Yankee stubbornness, ships just after the Olympics. merely a visual symbol to us, nor and that New England work ethic that New to the Olympics but familiar to should it be. Too many Americans have instills in Vermonters an appreciation Vermont is . As the birth contributed too much of their labor, for hard work and perseverance. place of this sport and home to Jake their passion, and in some cases their Representing Vermont on the U.S. Burton’s renowned snowboard com- very being for it to be so simply re- Men’s Ice Team is the now fa- pany, it is appropriate that Vermont garded. For the flag permeates our na- mous John LeClair from St. Albans. will be sending three talented competi- tional history and relays the story of LeClair may play professional hockey tors as part of the first U.S. America in its simplest terms. Indeed, for the Philadelphia Flyers, but he has Snowboarding Team. from knowing how the flag has changed— never forgotten his roots in the small South Londonderry, Ron Chiodi of and in what ways it has remained con- city of St. Albans. John donates his Rochester, and Betsy Shaw of East stant—is to know the history and time and expertise to the people of Dorset will be traveling to Nagano this hopes of this country. Franklin County throughout the year. week. Ross knows all about travel More than 220 years ago, a year after His skill and All-American image have since snowboarding has taken him all the colonies had made their historic brought civility and a touch of New over the world. He will celebrate his decision to declare independence from England neighborliness to the most un- nineteenth birthday on February 10th Britain, the Second Continental Con- likely of sports. For the first time ever, and be joined by his mother, Nancy, in gress decided that the American flag the is com- Japan. East Dorset will be cheering for would consist of 13 red and white alter- peting in the Olympics. Vermonters are their neighbor, Betsy, who has nating stripes and 13 white stars in a rooting for John LeClair to leave a ‘‘surfed’’ mountains all over the globe field of blue. These stars and blue field lasting impression. but knows the ones in Southern were to represent a new constellation If there is one thing Vermonters Vermont best. Ron too will bring his in which freedom and government of excel at it is getting through snow, so Vermont experience at Stratton Moun- the people, by the people and for the it makes sense that Vermont is well tain with him to the Olympics. people would rule. As we all know, the represented on the U.S. Olympic Cross Also going to Nagano, Japan is constellation has grown to include 50 Country Ski Teams. Four Vermonters Vermonter Kathryn Vigesna Lipke of stars, but the number of stripes has re- will be on the team; Marc Gilbertson Belvidere. She will be serving as one of mained constant. In this way, the flag and Laura Wilson of Montpelier, Kerrin five international jurors who will judge tells all who view it that no matter Petty from Townshend, and Suzanne the snow-sculpting competitions. Hav- how large America may become, it is King of East Warren. This is Marc’s ing lived in the mountains of Belvidere forever rooted in the bedrock prin- first time as a member of a U.S. na- with its snowy peaks and dense woods, ciples of freedom and self-government tional team and I admire his grit in Kathryn will make an excellent judge that led those first 13 colonies to forge going after his Olympic dream. Laura, of cold weather beauty. a new nation. Kerrin and Suzanne will bring experi- I am truly proud of the athletes Equally important is the fact that ence to the women’s team and are aim- Vermont is sending to the Olympics. I the flag also represents our commit- ing to show the world what Vermont commend them for their hard work and ment to these ideals. This commitment women are made of. the example they set for Vermonters has exacted a high human toll, for The event has Nor- and for athletes everywhere, and join which many of America’s best and wich native Tim Tetreault competing. all Vermonters in wishing them the brightest have given their last full Tim’s parents Tom and Anne will be best in the .∑ measure of devotion. It is in their going to Japan this week to watch f memories and for their commitment to their son, who has been since he America’s ideals that I am proud to was five, compete in his third Olympic PROTECTION OF THE AMERICAN support the amendment introduced games. The Freestyle U.S. Ski teams FLAG FROM PHYSICAL DESECRA- yesterday. also include four skiers and a head TION The amendment is necessary because coach from Vermont. Ann Battelle ∑ Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I am the Supreme Court, in its 1990 U.S. from Williston got hooked on skiing proud to join Senators HATCH, verses Eichman ruling, held that burn- during her years at Champlain Valley CLELAND, and others in cosponsoring ing the flag in political protest was Union High School and has never the proposed constitutional amend- constitutionally protected free speech. looked back. Jim Moran of Stowe and ment to grant the States and Congress No one holds our right to free speech Evan Dybvig of Turnbridge who have the power to prohibit the physical more dearly than I do, Mr. President, both spent many cold hours conquering desecration of the flag of the United but in my view, the Eichman decision the slopes of Stowe, will also be com- States. Our flag occupies a truly unnecessarily rejects the deeply held peting. Donna Weinbrecht, another unique place in the hearts of millions reverence in which millions of Ameri- team member, knows well all the steep of citizens as a cherished symbol of cans hold our flag. With all the forums trails and sharp twists at Killington freedom and democracy. As a national for public opinion available to Ameri- mountain. The four will be joined by emblem of the world’s greatest democ- cans every day, from television and coach Jeff Good from Williston. racy, the American flag should be radio, to newspapers and internet chat Skiing comes naturally for treated with respect and care. I have rooms, Americans are afforded ample Vermonters, but add a rifle and you long held that our free speech rights do opportunity to freely and fully exercise have a sport Vermonters can really get not entitle us to consider the flag as their legitimate, constitutional right behind! Seven Vermonters will be doing merely personal property, to be treated to free speech, even if what they have

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