BANGOR – U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe urged veterans Friday to support a proposed constitutional amendment that backers say would protect the U.S. flag from acts of desecration.

The amendment, which cleared a Senate committee Thursday, could be within one vote of passing, according to vote counters on both sides.

According to Snowe, this is the first time in six years the Senate has considered the amendment.

In 2000, Snowe and Sen. Susan Collins voted for a similar proposed amendment.

Snowe, who is seeking re-election this year, addressed some 200 veterans attending the 88th annual American Legion and Auxiliary Convention at the Bangor Civic Center, which runs through today.

The event provides members a chance to elect officers, discuss resolutions of posts around the state and to present and receive awards.

“There’s no issue that’s more important than helping our veterans,” Snowe said.

Collins and Gov. John Baldacci also addressed the group Friday. Democratic U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud is expected to address the convention today.

“I think Senator Snowe addressed issues that veterans were looking for,” Ron Sailor, the department adjutant of the American Legion and convention director, said Friday. “She has been consistent in supporting veterans’ issues.”

Collins and Snowe both stressed the importance of supporting veterans’ health care facilities, such as Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta.

Vietnam veterans make up the largest group of veterans who belong to the Legion. They make up the majority of those present at this week’s convention, according to Sailor.

The governor thanked the Vietnam veterans present and gave his support to increase reserve funds for veterans’ services and to appropriate additional funds for cemetery services.

He also praised the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls and Boys State programs.

“If people want to know why Maine is the way it is,” Baldacci said, “it’s because of this organization, and organizations like you, that give Maine the glue it needs to stay together.”