Henry Smith MP has led a flag exchange between the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the United States Congress on Monday, 8th June, in the Speaker’s Residence in Parliament.

 

 

 

Henry said;

 

 

 

“As a Member of Parliament and a keen vexillologist, I am delighted that the flag exchange I have organised has taken place.

 

 

 

“This exchange represents the strength of feeling our two countries share for democracy, as well as our mutual friendship and admiration.

 

 

 

“It was very special to be at the ceremony where the US and UK flags were exchanged – both of which had flown over our respective legislative buildings.

 

 

 

“It was an honour to give Congressman Kevin McCarthy, US House Majority Leader, a personal tour of the historic Palace of Westminster. I am grateful to him and his team for their assistance and co-operation in making this exchange happen.”

 

 

 

The flags exchanged were a US flag that has flown over the Capitol building, and a Union Flag that had flown over the Palace of Westminster.

 

 

 

The stars and stripes were accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, signed by Congressman John Boehner, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader of the US House of Representatives, and Stephen T. Ayers, the Architect of the Capitol.

 

 

 

The Honorable Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader of the US House of Representatives, commented;

 

 

 

“From the beginning, the United States of America and the United Kingdom have been family. Much like the stitching that binds the fabric of these flags, our bonds may be tested by strong winds and storms, but their strength and resolve will always remain.

 

 

 

“Forever, these flags will commemorate the unbreakable bond between our respective legislative institutions and our two free and independent peoples we represent.”

 

 

 

The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Leader of the House of Commons, added;

 

 

 

“The flag exchange today helps cement the important historical links between the two legislatures of the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

 

 

 

“It is particularly poignant during this 800th anniversary year of Magna Carta, the charter that ushered in the rule of law and has had a profound influence on the documents that underpin both of our great democracies.

 

 

 

“I hope that this symbolic exchange of flags will serve to reinforce the bonds which are embodied by our shared commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”

 

 

 

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