Most if not all of us rush to our phones at the end of the first block, completely ignoring the morning announcements. I myself conform to this on most occasions. However, I’ve always held myself to the standard that regardless of what I want to do, when the pledge of allegiance is played, I stand with a firm hand on my chest and my left arm to my side.
Much to my chagrin, when the flag appears and Dr. Brewer begins to speak, very few, if any other individuals, stand up to face the flag displayed on screen. There is a lot of blood that fell to keep that flag standing upright over a long sum of years. Standing for the flag isn’t a huge commitment, it takes up a mere 20 seconds of your time and it saddens me to see that there is such a lack of simple respect to honor that.
I feel I am obligated to stand, being the son of a veteran. What my dad has done for our country and me is something I wouldn’t dare to disregard. Not only that, it is the least I can do to honor and show respect to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and its freedoms, which is why it bothers me so much when other people don’t seem to show appreciation for that.
I credit a huge chunk of my beliefs and knowledge to my father and his service because it gives you a unique perspective on a lot of things. One of those being my opinions on the pledge of allegiance, I wish more individuals took the time to understand and appreciate what the pledge stands for.
It is your right not to stand for the pledge of allegiance, but remember that there are those who can’t stand after defending that right. Regardless of how we feel about the current state of our country, I believe that is the right thing to do to show respect to those who defend the freedoms we cherish.
