“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.”
Students across America have followed the daily routine of standing, resting their right hand over their heart, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
However, in recent years we have seen an increase in students choosing to stay seated during the Pledge. This could be for several reasons such as religious beliefs, silent protest, disapproval of the military, or other differing reasons.
“Only 17.2% of 157 students surveyed stand for the pledge, and 52% of 123 students who stay seated say they do so because they believe the pledge is problematic,” according to a Nordic News survey in 2022.
It is a Constitutional right protected by the First Amendment, in which students have freedom of speech and the ability to express themselves. This includes the right for students to decide whether they feel obligated to stand and recite the Pledge.
I can acknowledge that it is a personal choice and a right that individuals have, but I believe that the Pledge is more than just the flag itself or a string of words.
Standing during the Pledge is a sign of respect towards our country and an opportunity to realize how privileged we are to live here.
The Pledge of Allegiance is a small gesture that honors and shares our appreciation for the men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives to protect and defend our country and its rights. Freedom is not free, it is earned through sacrifice and suffering. Just because we can sit during the Pledge doesn’t mean we should.
“I know there are a lot of social problems such as racism, oppression, and social status, but we have come a long way and built a more accepting society rather than in the past. Before making this choice, students should educate themselves especially since worse things are happening in the world,” said Lacy Duckwitz.
We often tend to take our freedoms for granted. However, freedoms outside of the United States may not be guaranteed. Some nations have strict control over citizens, which limits their ability to freely express themselves. It is only due to the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives to protect the rights that we have today.
I believe that the Pledge holds great symbolic weight. Many view it as a small action, but it holds great value. When a community all stands for the Pledge of Allegiance, it unites us all under one thing, under one flag.
It is a chance for people to put aside their differences and have pride in their country. Everyone can be patriotic without having to diminish their cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
People can have pride in two things simultaneously even if they contradict each other because life does not limit or restrict you from choosing only one or the other.
Students should be encouraged to think critically and have their own beliefs and set of morals, but they should recognize the importance the Pledge has on society. Although students should not be forced to stand, individuals should reflect on what it means to stand and what it may say when they choose not to do so.
