Legislature begins budget session on patriotic note

The Legislature convened this morning in “special session” to make some changes in the state budget. Things began patriotically in the Iowa House, as the Iowa Professional Firefighters Honor Guard was invited to present the colors, and lead House members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Fire fighters from Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Mason City, Council Bluffs and Oskaloosa participated. Honor Guard leader John Pulver is with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. He says he considers it a privilege and honor to step forward and participate.Looking out at the crowd of legislators once the flag had been posted, you could tell who had served in the military, as they stood at attention during the ceremony.