Turner Condemns Officials Decision
Removing God from U.S. Capitol Flag Certificates
 Rep Turner with Mr. Paul Larochelle (left) and son Andrew (r) discuss, with the media, the decision of the Architect of the Capitol to censor the word “God” from a flag certificate. Andrew gave the flag and certificate to his Grandfather, an Army veteran after his Eagle Scout ceremony.
Having a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to commemorate an important date or event is among the favorite requested constituent services provided by Congressional representatives.
Mr. Paul Larochelle and his son requested a flag from my office. They requested the flag to be flown over the Capitol on 9/11. In the Larochelle household September 11 is a bittersweet day. It is of course the anniversary of the worst attacks ever on American soil, but it is also Mr. Larochelle’s birthday, and for this reason the Larochelles requested the flag be flown on the specific date.
The Larochelles also requested a certificate be inscribed with: “In honor of my grandfather Marcel Larochelle, and his dedication and love of God, country, and family. September 30, 2007.” Mr. Larochelle’s son planned to present the flag and certificate to his grandfather, an Army veteran, this weekend after his Eagle Scout Ceremony. However, when the flag and certificate were returned to my office, the word “God” had been censored by the AOC’s office.
My office asked the Architect for further explanation. The AOC cites his own rules for Flag Offices Services, rule number eight which states: “…religious expressions are not permitted on flag certificates.” The AOC ruled that the Larochelle’s use of the word “God” constituted a religious expression and therefore returned the certificate with the word “God” eliminated from the certificate.
I condemn this decision of the AOC and have requested that the rules be changed. The rules have been created by the office of the AOC and are enforced at the discretion of the Architect. I have sent letters calling for the repeal of the policy to the AOC, Speaker of the House, and the President.
They are attempting to take God from the Pledge of Allegiance and now the Architect is attempting to remove God from the certificates that come with flags flown over the Capitol. The word ‘God’ is carved into the walls of both Chambers of Congress. The Architect is the custodian of the Capitol and currently maintains several religious symbols in the building. If permitted, removing ‘God’ from Capitol flag ceremonies will be the precedent for removing ‘God’ from the Capitol, and this cannot be permitted.
At a news conference held in our District offices recently, Paul Larochelle said: “It’s unbelievable to think that when an American citizen asks a flag to be flown and for a special certificate that reflects their opinion, and not that of Congress, that somebody in the Capitol would attempt to censor it. The secularization of America is tearing the fabric of our society apart. I am frustrated with the efforts to take all references to God out of society, but I appreciate Congressman Turner’s efforts to take on this issue.”
“As a former mayor, I have seen the detrimental impact that predatory lending has on families and communities. A University of Dayton study demonstrates how mortgage foreclosures are affecting urban areas in Ohio: Many foreclosed homes sit vacant and boarded up for long periods of time. These properties are blights on our neighborhoods and become a threat to public health and safety. They result in falling property values, increased crime, lead to an eroded local tax base, and impair a city’s ability to provide important services. Therefore, I offered an amendment to the FY 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (THUD) that seeks to help families who are potential victims of lending practices that could lead to foreclosure. The amendment to THUD increases the amount of funds available for HUD approved housing counselors by $6.7 million. It is my hope that through the increased funding in my amendment housing counseling agencies such as St. Mary’s Development Corporation will increase vital counseling services to families in need. These services will give families assistance they need to protect themselves from predatory lending practices.”
 Congressman Turner and 2007 Third District Arts Congressional Arts Competition winner Eric Smith. Middle, lower-center, 2007 Third District winning artwork – “Lonely Larry.”
The 2007 Third Congressional Arts Competition was the most successful yet. This year’s competition set a new record for entries. The winner was Eric Smith, from Clinton-Massie High School Eric won with his charcoal pencil work entitled “Lonely Larry.” Recently, as part of his first place prize, Eric visited Washington, D.C., along with winners from across the country. All the winners attended a special celebration at the U.S. Capitol, where the winning selection from each district was unveiled. These artworks can be seen in the tunnel between the House Office Buildings and the Capitol. They are seeing by Members on the way to vote and by many people who tour the U.S. Capitol. The winning artwork from each participating district will be on display in the Capitol tunnel for one year.
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