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Democratic National Convention
'God' omitted from flag certificate
Word was requested for certificate for flag flown over Capitol; U.S. Rep. Turner helps family fix omission.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
DAYTON — — The inscription on the certificate accompanying the flag that had flown over the United States Capitol was supposed to be a personal message from 17-year-old Andrew Larochelle to his grandfather, a veteran and a devout Catholic.
Andrew requested the certificate say, "This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, Country and family."
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But, the Acting Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers, censored "God" from the request.
"I was completely shocked at the way things played out ... faith is very important to our entire family," Andrew said.
Andrew, who will be honored today for his 11-year effort to become an Eagle Scout, plans to present the flag to his grandfather during that ceremony.
"A lot of what I learned about faith comes from him," Andrew said. "I never expected such controversy over getting my Eagle Scout rank."
The flag request was made by Andrew's father, Paul Larochelle, through the office of U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, who on Saturday gave the family another certificate, written just as they requested.
"Our Nation's Capitol contains many religious references including "In God We Trust" inscribed in both the House and State chambers," Turner wrote in a letter of complaint to President Bush. "The architect's policy is in direct conflict with his charge as well as the scope of his office and brings into question his ability to preserve a building containing many national religious symbols."
Turner said Bush is currently in the process of appointing a new Architect of the Capitol.
