Originally published April
2003
by Adam Zurn
With honesty, I can say that the pledge of allegiance is one of my favorite parts of the school day. It always pains me to see the students in my homeroom who opt not to say it. I have no qualms with students who for religious reasons do not say the pledge. In fact, I am a stanch supporter of religious freedom and the First Amendment.
However, not saying the pledge because you find it to be an inconvenience as you race to finish your first period homework or that you have some misconception that the flag somehow represents murder and death is unfortunate. Moreover, not saying the pledge because it’s “not cool” is lazy and pitiful.
To me, the pledge is not a random series of words that I recite every morning but a reminder—a reminder of my freedom and the price that was paid to earn it.
I come from a family of proud military tradition, with a grandfather who slugged his way through the hedgerows of Normandy and another who gave the second greatest measure of devotion on the beaches of Iwo Jima. An great uncle was injured while rescuing comrades on the battlefield of Korea. And the list goes on.
The point is
when I say the pledge; I think of them, I remember their devotion and
their sacrifice. For me not to pay homage and tribute by saying the
pledge is hateful and blasphemous. I not only say it for them, but for
the current men and women who are willing to pay the greatest price to
preserve my freedom.
So tomorrow, when you’re asked to rise and say the pledge, I urge you to. But don’t just mumble your way through it. Say it loud with pride and think of all the freedoms we have and price that was paid for it.
So tomorrow, when you’re asked to rise and say the pledge, I urge you to. But don’t just mumble your way through it. Say it loud with pride and think of all the freedoms we have and price that was paid for it.
