A bill supported by state Representative Richard F. Ferrari, R-62 nd District, and state Senator Thomas J. Herlihy, R-8 th District, that affirms the right of citizens to place flags on veterans' graves
( H. B. 5512 ) was approved unanimously by the state House of Representatives Tuesday.
" This legislation will protect the right of members of veterans' organizations and relatives, friends and families of deceased veterans to honor veterans who fought to protect our country and our way of life," said Representative Ferrari, who co-sponsored the legislation. "It is especially important that we pass this legislation at a time when many of our young men and women in uniform are fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are putting their lives on the line to make the world a safer place for all of us."
"I don't think there could be a more appropriate time to pass a bill such as this," said Senator Herlihy. "We need to honor our veterans. They are the reason we have the freedom and opportunity we enjoy today in this great country. As Memorial Day approaches I think this is a wonderful tribute to all those who have died in the name of protecting those principles."
The measure would establish a specific time period during which organizations that maintain cemeteries could not restrict people from placing flags on veterans' graves. The period would run from the seventh day before Memorial Day to the first Monday after the Fourth of July, Representative Ferrari and Senator Herlihy said.
The bill was sent to the state Senate for final legislative approval. |
