This was my stand at an Oberlin City School Council Meeting on April 14, 2009 about reinstating the American Pledge of Allegiance. I made sure I was the first to speak with a quick uplift of my hand when asked for comments.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and
to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
I learned this as a child in school at an early age. I don't know where
our children will learn this and be able to commit it to memory if not
here, in school.
With the act of burning our flag as a legal form of expression through
freedom of speech, it would be a good thing if our youth can at least
learn what it symbolizes before they go on to destroy it.
If the future of our nation (our children) are not taught to respect
what symbolizes freedom AND hope, how can we expect them to
grow up and embrace the HOPE that freedom has provided us?
It starts here. It starts TODAY. Thank you."
About three words in to my little speech most of the thirty (30) people that were at this meeting stood and placed their hands over their hearts and recited the pledge with me. I was so happy to see the support. My fellow Americans, there comes a time when we must say STOP with the raping of our symbols. Our flag is our uniform. It represents not only who we are but more importantly WHAT we are and what we stand for. To deny the pledge anywhere in America because it offends someone is like a McDonald's employee refusing to wear the uniform because it makes them itch.
You may ask; what can I do? Support America by attending meetings when things are in question about our country, or your beliefs.
You may ask; how can I know when something is in jeopardy? You can add to your 'favorites' the websites of your child's school committee meeting updates, get on an email list of events that let you know of events in your community.
Please take my poll about the Pledge. You are welcome to copy this post and pin it up at your place of business or anywhere you feel people need to be aware of our fundamental standards for America.
God Bless America.
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Larry- when my youngest played high school sports, I was always proud to see him salute the flag during the National Anthem, while his teammates just stood there (but respectfully- just uncomfortable to salute). He was the team captain in each sport, and ususally, towards the end of the season, MOST of them were comfortable enough to salute alongside him.
ReplyDeleteBefore I saw him saluting alone on a big gymnasium floor in front of a large crowd of spectators, I never saluted either. I never gave it much thought. I've always prayed for the men and woman fighting wars while the Anthem was playing, but now I also salute the flag. I don't care if I'm the ONLY one.
I commend you for taking a stand and Pledging Allegiance to OUR Flag.
ReplyDeleteI graduated high school in 1974 and I remember 2 students (Jehovah's Witnesses) who were excused from assemblies for religious reasons and for some reason their faith did not endorse the saluting of any flag - maybe it had to do with the worshiping of idols, graven images; whatever.
I do remember instances when they were excused from the classroom until the Pledge was over. That's fine - I have no problem with that and no one else did either.
I have a good friend from Yemen who made it a point to display the American Flag outside his business and inside as well although he was not yet an American citizen. I never asked him if the Pledge was recited at the Islamic school his children attended but noticed the American Flag displayed outside and his kids did know the Pledge.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with excusing a child from the classroom when the Pledge is recited but don't take the Pledge out of the schools. Trust me when I say this... that child will feel awkward about being excused. My one friend was and she changed faiths when she left home after graduating high school.
Oh, another point...ever notice at any sporting event that, when any national anthem is played, it is a sign of respect to stand whether or not it is representative of YOUR NATION?
I appreciate the comment Sherri, and i want to add this thought for other readers: If you have two people with opposing ideas, eventually one will side with the other. Let's stand strong and proud.
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