STATEMENTS BY SUPREME COURT JUSTICES - HALTER VS NEBRASKA, 205 U.S. 34 (1907)

"It is not.....remarkable that the American people, acting through the legislative branch of the Government, early in their history, prescribed a flag as symbolical of the existence and sovereignty of the Nation."

"[L]ove both of the common country and of the State will diminish in proportion as respect for the flag is weakened. Therefore a State will be wanting in care for the well-being of its people if it ignores the fact that they regard the flag as a symbol of their country's power and prestige, and will be impatient if any disrespect is shown towards it."

Chief Justice Harlan
205 U.S. at 41, 42

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