Item 1: Pledge of Allegiance and Declaration

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Pledge of Allegiance and Reading of the Declaration of Independence Meeting Date: July 11, 2011 Agenda Item Number: 1 Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Kris Bloch www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-8497 ISSUE STATEMENT The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag will be followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence by representatives from the League of Women Voters of Lane County, participating at the invitation of the Mayor. BACKGROUND The City Council voted at its June 27, 2011, work session to begin formal council meetings with a voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at those meetings closest to the following holidays: Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July. In addition, the council voted to begin a practice of readings from the Declaration of Independence and/or the Constitution of the United States at the beginning of its meeting closest to the Fourth of July. According to the United States Code, Title 4 (U.S. Flag Code), the Pledge “…should be rendered by standing at attention and facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform, men should remove any non-religious headwear with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.” The Pledge is as follows: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." COUNCIL OPTIONS The council has voted to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION No recommendation is necessary. SUGGESTED MOTION No motion is necessary. \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110711\S1107111.doc