Department of Justice Seal Department of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2003
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
AG
(202) 514-2008
TDD (202) 514-1888

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT
REGARDING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CASE:


"For centuries our nation has referenced God as we have expressed our patriotism and national identity in our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, national anthem, on our coins, and in the Gettysburg Address. The Supreme Court of the United States opens each session by saying, 'God save this honorable Court.'

"The Justice Department will spare no effort to preserve the rights of all our citizens to pledge allegiance to the American flag. We will defend the ability of Americans to declare their patriotism through the time-honored tradition of voluntarily reciting the Pledge."

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