It had always been a formal, respectful event. From a young age, saying the Pledge of Allegiance always had a special meaning to me. Throughout elementary school, the honor that went along with the patriotic pledge instilled within me a sense of respect for the pledge.Yet, as I have gone through school, the disappointing trend of ignoring the Pledge of Allegiance has grown.
Now, when I see many sitting down, talking with their friends or even reading while the patriot affirmation rings throughout the school, it angers me.
While it may seem miniscule, many people – myself included – take pride in saying the pledge. I view it as a chance to proclaim myself as a proud American in a time when not everyone is always able to say that.
To me, ignoring this statement of nationalism, even if accidental, is a direct insult to those who protect our country. It’s similar to saying that we do not support our soldiers. While not all of us must lay our lives on the line to protect our country, I truly believe that we can all take a small minute out of our day to recognize those who protect our country, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I understand few people may feel loyal to other countries that they call home or that a student may simply not feel comfortable saying the pledge, but I still feel a place of respect should be noted. All anyone who doesn’t want to say the pledge has to do is be respectful by being quiet, standing or allowing those who would like to take part in the pledge to do so.
I feel that as a citizen of the United States, a country that gives me the right to vote, to pursue what I dream, say what I want, and believe what I wish, it deserves my respect. One of the things I can do in return, or even as a payback for what my country gives me, is to honor it in a short saying that honors the country I live in.
At the end of the day, I believe saying the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is a sense of reverence for one’s country and an aspect of honor and gratitude to those who defend it.
Many who defend our country feel the same way. A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who I talked to discussed his deep wish for the minutes of honor which is required for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Honestly, I can’t agree with him more. No matter who you are, there’s no reason for anyone not to honor those who defend our country with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Only 31 words make up the Pledge of Allegiance, an honor for those who protect us, and we need to respect it.