To Pledge or Not to Pledge

“I Pledge Allegiance to the flag…” begins the United States of America’s Pledge of Allegiance. I remember saying those words every single day from kindergarten to my eighth grade year. But when I started high school, people stopped saying the Pledge. In fact, most people didn’t even bother to stand up. This seemed a little strange to me; after following the routine for so long, I wondered why there was such a sudden change? Regardless, I continue to stand and say the Pledge. Today, only I stand.

Why have so many students stopped saying the Pledge?

There are many instances of students across the country refusing to say the Pledge. Some defended their choice by stating they wouldn’t say the Pledge until homosexuals have the right to be married, as was the case of ten year-old Will Phillips. In 2009, Phillips’ bold move caught the media’s attention and newspapers around the country told his story. Phillips felt the Pledge was not true because every citizen in the US didn’t have liberty; if gay and lesbian people couldn’t be legally married, how were they free?

Another reason some students in America don’t say the Pledge is they don’t accept the phrase “under God” because it implies religion. For students who do not believe in God or the god the Pledge refers to, they feel the Pledge is disrespectful and a violation of their first amendment rights. They are right in this accusation. Under the first amendment, Americans are guaranteed freedom of religion. While some may argue our country was based upon a belief in God, this doesn’t nullify every citizen’s freedom of faith, whether that includes God or not.

While I’m advocating more people stand for the Pledge, I can’t deny there are valid reasons behind people who don’t. The beauty of our country is we are free. While your views may be different from your neighbor, that doesn’t make you wrong, but it also doesn’t make you right.

Why do I say the Pledge?

I say the Pledge because thousands of men have died in defense of my freedoms and the rights established by the Founding Fathers of this country. It’s a personal tribute to a family member of mine who is currently in the Army. He’s sacrificed his time, effort and put his life on the line to keep us all free. Saying the Pledge is my way of showing my appreciation for his service and the many freedoms I enjoy in America.

I also say the Pledge because here in the US, we can speak our minds, be a part of a religion, write what we feel and try our shot at achieving the American dream. We are a democratic society with the right to live freely. I am free and I am thankful for my freedom: this is why I say the Pledge.

What do you think UHS? Are you going to stand up for the Pledge today? Let us know!

Information About Will Phillips taken from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/12/10-year-old-wont-pledge-a_n_355709.html

Information About First Amendment Rights taken from: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/