Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-14

OPERATION DEMOCRACY AND FLAGS FOR FREEDOM

TaxesVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-14, Representative Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY-3) delivered a floor speech titled "OPERATION DEMOCRACY AND FLAGS FOR FREEDOM" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered veterans affairs, infrastructure.

Full Text

OPERATION DEMOCRACY AND FLAGS FOR FREEDOM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H2843] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OPERATION DEMOCRACY AND FLAGS FOR FREEDOM (Mr. SUOZZI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Operation Democracy and their Flags for Freedom program. In my district, the hamlet of Locust Valley proudly founded Operation Democracy's sister city program in 1947, partnering with the first town, Normandy, France, liberated on D-day. Now, Oyster Bay-East Norwich and Cold Spring Harbor, also in my district, participate in the Flags for Freedom program, as well. Operation Democracy was founded in the wake of World War II as a humanitarian effort to rebuild war-torn cities across the globe. Since then, it has connected more than 500 communities with partner communities throughout the world, fostering diplomacy, peace, and mutual understanding. Their Flags for Freedom program builds powerful bridges between generations. Through American Legion posts, local veterans present American flags to graduating high school seniors. Nearly 10,000 flags have already been presented as living lessons of service, sacrifice, and citizenship. I encourage every congressional district across the country to enter into the Flags for Freedom program. It is a simple, nonpartisan tribute to our veterans and our Nation's flag, and it is rooted in both history and gratitude. ____________________

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OPERATION DEMOCRACY AND FLAGS FOR FREEDOM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H2843] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OPERATION DEMOCRACY AND FLAGS FOR FREEDOM (Mr. SUOZZI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Operation Democracy and their Flags for Freedom program. In my district, the hamlet of Locust Valley proudly founded Operation Democracy's sister city program in 1947, partnering with the first town, Normandy, France, liberated on D-day. Now, Oyster Bay-East Norwich and Cold Spring Harbor, also in my district, participate in the Flags for Freedom program, as well. Operation Democracy was founded in the wake of World War II as a humanitarian effort to rebuild war-torn cities across the globe. Since then, it has connected more than 500 communities with partner communities throughout the world, fostering diplomacy, peace, and mutual understanding. Their Flags for Freedom program builds powerful bridges between generations. Through American Legion posts, local veterans present American flags to graduating high school seniors. Nearly 10,000 flags have already been presented as living lessons of service, sacrifice, and citizenship. I encourage every congressional district across the country to enter into the Flags for Freedom program. It is a simple, nonpartisan tribute to our veterans and our Nation's flag, and it is rooted in both history and gratitude. ____________________