Pelosi Remarks Before Flag Presentation to Vice President Mike Pence at Inaugural Luncheon

Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi presented a flag that flew over the Capitol on Inauguration Day to Vice President Mike Pence at the Inaugural Luncheon. Below are the Leader's remarks.

"Mr. President and Madam First Lady, congratulations on the Inauguration. The American people pray for your family and for the success of your Administration.

"Following up on the history theme that Mr. Blunt so beautifully started us on this morning, and Mr. Schumer continued, and I follow our House Republican Leader, Mr. McCarthy. Yes, in this room, this was the original chamber. Lincoln sat there, and here we are gathered today in that old House chamber, where Lincoln served, beneath the same clock that Lincoln heard ticking, but under the gaze of Clio. Mr. President, right up there, above that door, the muse of history, Clio.

"For almost two centuries, Clio and her clock have reminded the men and women in these hallowed halls that we are part of history, that our words and actions will face the judgment of history and that we are part of the long and honorable heritage of our democracy. That is Clio's advice.

"We come to this sacred Inauguration Day united and [with] respect for our democracy and determined to make a difference in the lives of hard-working Americans. I have the privilege of presenting the flag to the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. One of the House of Representatives' own – right, Mr. Speaker?

[Applause]

"We know that Vice President Pence is strengthened by his faith, by his family and by the foundation of experience he built here in these halls. I told him, Mr. President: he knows the territory. He knows the territory. It is now my honor to present one of the flags that flew above the Capitol today to the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence.

"We pray for you, for your beloved wife Karen, for Michael, Charlotte and Audrey, and all of your family. God bless you, Mr. Vice President – and remembering that this flag that we pledge to every day for liberty and justice for all is our calling. I look forward to working with you. Now, it's my honor to present you with this flag."

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