Rose Nears Its Official Coronation
The House, brushing aside support for marigolds and dogwood blossoms, corn tassels and columbines, ended decades of debate on Tuesday and crowned the rose as America’s national flower.
The voice-vote decision completed congressional action on the rose resolution, ending debate over an appropriate “national floral emblem” for the United States. The Senate gave its approval a year ago, and the bill now goes to President Reagan.
“The rose is widely viewed as a symbol of love, peace, friendship, courage and devotion,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-N.Y.). “Different variations are grown in every section of the country. Interest in this legislation has markedly increased and polls show an overwhelming support of the rose as the national flower.”
No particular variety of rose is specified as the official flower.
Congressional staff members said the designation of the rose as the national flower will not require any specific actions by the government and will not cost anything.
“It’s more symbolic than anything else,” said Willie Chambliss, a legislative assistant to Rep. Lindy (Mrs. Hale) Boggs (D-La.), the principal sponsor of the resolution in the House.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
