STATEMENTS BY SUPREME COURT JUSTICES - SPENCE VS WASHINGTON, 418 U.S. 405 (1974)
"The true nature of the State's interest in this case is not only one of
preserving the physical integrity of the flag, but also one of preserving
the flag as 'an important symbol of nationhood and unity.' Although the
Court treats this important interest with studied inattention, it is hardly
one of recent invention and has previously been accorded considerable
respect by this Court."
Justice Rehnquiest
(joined by Chief Justice Burger and Justice White)
418 U.S. at 421
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