For Release: Thursday, December 19, 2002
Contact: Frank Miles: (618) 233-8026

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO HONORED BY VETERANS FOR SUPPORT OF US FLAG

Belleville, IL -- On December 19, 2002, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) was honored by the nation's largest wartime veterans organization and a coalition of 142 other groups for his support of the Flag Protection Constitutional Amendment.

Costello was given the Citizens Flag Alliance award for his support at a short ceremony held in his Belleville District Office. American Legion Past Commander Kermit Holtgrewe said that "Congressman Costello was elected by the people and truly listens to his constituents here in Illinois. His support of "Old Glory" is a tribute to America's veterans and our constitution. Thanks to his firm commitment in the US House of Representatives, the people prevail. Our flag will receive the protection it deserves."

Since 1989, the American Legion has worked with the US Congress to develop legislation to protect the flag. In 1994, the American Legion organized the Citizen's Flag Alliance, a national coalition of more than 140 civic, fraternal and patriotic organizations working to secure the passage of a constitutional amendment to prohibit the desecration of the US flag.

This measure easily passed the US House in July 2001, with the support of Costello. The American Legion became actively involved with flag protection issues after a 1989 Supreme Court decision that declared flag desecration free speech. Since then, all fifty states have petitioned for a constitutional amendment to pass a law to prohibit flag burning, Costello has supported the proposal each year.

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