First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

“I fought for my county not a flag.” Tony Jones recalls Barry Rymer saying.

Barry was on the Board of Governors during two controversies: Mirth and Girth, a painting of Mayor Harold Washington in Lingerie, and How to Properly Address a Flag, which presented a flag on the gallery floor. The flag controversy particularly infuriated Barry, who had been Marine Ranger fighting behind enemy lines. Barry felt it was vital there be a dedicated exhibition space to support free expression. Tony attributes the extreme danger of Barry’s military service as a contributing factor to Barry’s adamant position on free speech.