A joint resolution to designate the year of 1986 as the "Year of the Flag".
PL 99-193 (H.J.Res.424), enacted 12/19/1985

99 STAT. 1330 
PUBLIC LAW 99-193—DEC. 19, 1985 
Public Law 99-193 
99th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Dec. 19, 1985 
To designate the year of 1986 as the "Year of the Flag". 
Whereas the flag of the United States is a symbol of our Nation and 
its ideals, traditions, and institutions; 
Whereas the flag is also symbolic of the territorial development of 
the Nation, and the tremendous effort, sacrifice, and love of 
country that made such development possible; 
Whereas the stars of the flag signify the number of States in the 
Union today and the stripes signify the number of States in the 
original Union; 
Whereas the colors of the flag signify qualities of the human spirit 
which all Americans should strive for: red for hardiness and 
courage, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance 
and justice; 
Whereas awareness and appreciation of their Nation's ideals, tradi-
tions, development, and accomplishments are important in inspir-
ing and guiding citizens' efforts in carrying the American legacy 
into the future; 
Whereas citizen interest in and appreciation of the flag and its 
development, meaning, and relationship to the American heritage 
is vitally important, so that it may always serve as an effective 
reminder of the ideals, accomplishments, and lessons of history for 
which it stands; 
Whereas citizen awareness, interest, and appreciation of the flag 
and its relationship to the American heritage has declined in 
recent years, thereby threatening its effectiveness in reminding 
citizens of their heritage and inspiring them in their daily lives; 
Whereas there is a need for renewed interest in the flag, and a 
promotion of awareness of its relationship to the Nation's Con-
stitution, values, heritage, and accomplishments; 
Whereas a commemorative year would serve to heighten such in-
terest in and awareness of the flag, by encouraging efforts to 
educate citizens regarding the relationship of the flag to their 
heritage, and celebrations honoring the flag; 
Whereas 1986 is the two hundredth anniversary of the first call for a 
Federal constitutional convention; 
Whereas 1986 is the year of the rededication of the Statue of 
Liberty; and 
Whereas the two hundredth anniversary of the first call for a 
Federal constitutional convention is an appropriate occasion to 
PUBLIC LAW 99-193—DEC. 19, 1985 
99 STAT. 1331 
commemorate the flag as the symbol of American heritage for 
which the Constitution serves as foundation and the Statue of 
Liberty serves as beacon: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That 1986 is designated the 
"Year of the Flag". The President is authorized and requested to 
issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to 
observe such year with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 
Approved December 19, 1985. 
^/y 
•hitC 
01 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 424 (S.J. Res. 242): 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985): 
Dec. 3, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 5, considered and passed Senate.