Bill Clinton

“ The flag of the United States has inspired us in battle, reassured us in times of peace, and comforted us at moments of great national grief. In its white stripes, we recognize the sanctity of the American ideals on which our Republic was founded: liberty, justice, equality, and the guarantee of individual rights. In its red stripes, we salute the generations of American patriots who have shed their blood to keep our flag flying over a free Nation. ”

“ Our long national journey has brought the United States safely to a new century and to a position of unprecedented leadership in the world. Throughout that journey, one symbol has endured as a badge of honor for every American and a beacon of hope for the oppressed: the flag of the United States. ”

“ And in the cluster of white stars on an unchanging blue field, we read the story of America's remarkable evolution from 13 small colonies to 50 great States, with millions of citizens from every race, creed, and country united by the hopes and history we share as Americans. ”