[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 10769] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]INTRODUCING LEGISLATION FOR THE DISPLAY OF STATE AND TERRITORY FLAGS AT THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT ______ HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA of american samoa in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to ensure that the flags of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Territories of the United States encircle the Washington Monument. Standing at 555 feet and 5\1/8\ inches tall, the Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in the nation's capital and is the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk. Completed in 1884, it memorializes the first President of the United States, President George Washington, who led our country to independence and helped shaped the role of the presidency and the course of our democracy in its early days. It was most fitting then that Congress in 1833 established the Washington National Monument Society to create a monument in honor of the Father of our Country. Today, the Washington Monument serves as a reminder of the greatness of this Nation, as an object of pride to the American people and of admiration to all who see it. The legislation I am proposing directs the U.S. National Park Service through the Secretary of Interior, to ensure that the flags of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Territories of the United States encircle the Washington Monument. As an object of pride to the American people, I think it is most fitting that the flags of all States, DC and U.S. Territories are flown at the Washington Monument. Yesterday, we celebrated our national Flag Day by commemorating the adoption of the national flag of the United States as proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on June 14, 1916. As such, a public display of State and Territory flags at the Washington Monument will be an opportunity for each State and Territory to share its own uniqueness through its icons and figures representing the traditions, values, and local histories that collectively have made the United States. Flags have always been a part of our history and traditions. This legislation will ensure that every American will be part of one of our great national treasures. ____________________