Say The Pledge With Pride
December 9, 2021
Students and faculty are supposed to start each school day the same way. The morning announcements will come on, informing the Scouts of any upcoming events, senior days, and then, most importantly, the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the Pledge, the Scouts must repeat a patriotic vow to their loyalty for the United States and the principles of a representative government. Although it may sound strange, it’s a normal part of American culture in public schools. Most students in the United States probably have it memorized, whether they like it or not.
I remember my Freshman year, everyone in my first period class would stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Two years and one pandemic later, it seems like students are dead silent during the Pledge.
Students stand up and often place their hands on their hearts, but barely anyone actually verbally expresses the Pledge; and it’s not just my first period class.
“It’s kind of strange how no one says the Pledge anymore,” said junior Reagan Fisch. “In my first period class everyone just stands there and it’s really awkward.”
I’m not sure why this trend started. Maybe people are just a little quiet or more shy post pandemic, or maybe some people just aren’t comfortable saying it. It doesn’t seem to be a based on political reasons or to protest anything, but simply rather because no one wants to be the first to speak up and say it.
Saying the Pledge of Allegiance is actually a law in public schools in Illinois. So, participation in the Pledge is expected in school.
Additionally, the Pledge matters because it’s keeping up with tradition and honoring our nation. It was written in 1892 by minister Francis Bellamy, and kids in schools have been reciting the Pledge since its inception. Over time the Pledge has been tweaked to words we say we today.
I tried telling myself it wasn’t a big deal; however, after some consideration, not saying the Pledge of Allegiance is extremely strange. This topic has been on my mind for weeks, and I am just starting to build up the courage to bring the Pledge back to my first period class.
It’s quite intimidating to be the only person to speak out in a soundless classroom, but it’s important that members of LFHS start saying the Pledge of Allegiance again, and with pride.
It may seem like no big deal, but saying the Pledge is important because it’s a large part of American culture, and it gives people a reminder not to take their freedoms for granted.
Of course, people may opt out of saying the Pledge for political objections or personal reasons. At the end of the day, one should not be forced into saying it. However, the Pledge does not have to be political. It’s simply something all Americans should view as positive and patriotic.
It may seem strange to start every morning with a Pledge, but it’s important to keep up with tradition and to remember how lucky we are to live in America.
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Ever heard of the Bill of Rights? • Feb 14, 2022 at 4:20 pm
“In 1943, the United States Supreme Court confirmed that students in public schools have a right to not participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. At the time, the West Virginia Board of Education required all public school teachers and students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Two students, Gathie and Marie Barnett, refused to participate, stating that it violated their personal beliefs and religion, and were expelled. They brought a suit, along with other students who had refused, which finally ended up at the US Supreme Court. In a 6-3 vote, the Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to compel students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance”(National Youth Rights association).
The supreme court has ruled laws requiring that students say the pledge in public schools unconstitutional. I feel that you are dishonest when you state that it’s expected by law for students to say the pledge
Comrade • Feb 1, 2022 at 7:56 pm
I guess I now know when to sing the English translation of the Soviet Anthem as loud as possible.
Neutral LFHS Junior • Dec 10, 2021 at 2:08 pm
A couple of thoughts on this. Not everyone is a citizen at this school and they may also find allegiance in another country. Also to say that not participating is ‘a trend’ I think is not a valid opinion. Put simply, whether you participate in the pledge of allegiance to the US is a personal choice and depends heavily on whether you really are loyal to the country, believe in it, and agree with the values. It is not anyone’s business when someone doesn’t stand or speak for the allegiance.
A confused and yet weirded out student at LFHS • Dec 10, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Can I just mention that you guys are the only country in the world that has to pledge their allegiance to their country every morning? Do you know how weird that really is???
Not everyone is patriotic to this country, especially because of the era that we live in right now.
No thanks. • Dec 10, 2021 at 12:03 pm
First of all, I don’t necessarily consider myself to be fortunate enough to be able to live in America, yes it’s got lots of good opportunities economically, and having a better life, but that’s only if you’re white and already economically advantaged. We’re not lucky enough to live in America, until everyone in this country is able to have the same advantages that we do in this community, nationwide.
America is a melting pot of cultures, it’s extremely diverse and holds a lot of religions, cultures, ethnicities, and sexualities as a whole. Many of which have been oppressed and underrepresented in this country for centuries. The fact that they haven’t been given the voice and the representation that they so need, is a reason why they might not resonate with the pledge because it might make them pledge to a god they may not even believe in and makes them renounce their religion or beliefs on spirituality, or it just doesn’t make them feel comfortable to pledge to a country which has put violence towards them in their own homes and neighborhoods. Until we are fully able to be united as a people in the United States, people will still feel the issues that they face when they say the words “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.”
I definitely don’t feel prideful towards the pledge, mainly because I feel like this country doesn’t represent my best interests in mind, and that I do not feel as if I should pledge allegiance to a country on a daily while I’m a full citizen of two different countries, it feels like my identity isn’t best being represented by this use of pledging to one every single day.
Honestly, if you want to say it, say it. Go ahead, you can be proud of your country if you want to, but I will not. It doesn’t represent me, nor does it represent many other Americans in this country. Allow me to speak my peace through my actions and not force me to do something I’d rather not do. Respectfully (not) no.
Love your country. • Dec 10, 2021 at 4:56 pm
If you don’t feel lucky enough to live in America then you can leave and see what it’s like to live in an under-developed Third World nation with a corrupt government and terrorism. Regardless of race, gender, nationality, whatever, the pledge is what brings this “melting pot of America” together. The pledge has absolutely nothing to do with religion or politics – and trying to make it either is insanity.
Respectfully (not) if you’re not proud of America, your country, then get out.
who cares? • Dec 11, 2021 at 8:31 pm
What do you mean the pledge has nothing to do with religion?? We literally pledge our allegiance to a nation under god, you can be pro-pledge as much as you please. But at least understand what it is you are pledging exactly.
On that same note, the pledge does not “bring this country together.” As anyone who is out of high school well knows, the only people who pledge daily are students. The second you graduate, to the majority of America, that pledge loses all meaning. The pledge was invented simply as a device of propaganda.
I'll pass • Dec 10, 2021 at 11:53 am
I personally don’t say the pledge, just because I myself am not religious. The part of the pledge where you’re supposed to say “under God” just doesn’t sit right with me since I myself am not some flavor of Christian or Jewish. If you are then totally go for it. However, that portion was added in 1954 to distinguish ourselves from “godless Communist Russia” and so it really isn’t just about pride in America anymore. Additionally, according to the first amendment, it’s your right to not say the pledge. American soldiers have fought and died for your rights to say or not say the pledge, not to be forced to say it. That’s what real patriotism is, letting people exercise their rights as Americans.
I'd rather not. • Dec 10, 2021 at 11:27 am
Firstly: conservatives, you are not oppressed for saying the pledge. I’m literally begging you guys to stop playing the victim.
Secondly, I’m not really sure what your message here is. You tell people that they should say the pledge and it’s “extremely strange” to not do so (despite the US being one of the only countries to do this in the public school system), but then go on to say that it seems strange to start the morning with the pledge and you understand why people opt-out.
When you say “American culture,” I’m confused as to what you mean. Saying the pledge in schools was not a “tradition” as you claim until the mid 20th century. Though it might be hard for us Lake Foresters to acknowledge, America is a very diverse country not fully inhabited by rich and white Roman Catholics. There have been plenty of debates on this already, but with the phrase “one nation under God” still in the pledge, many Americans do not feel represented by this pledge.
I think we all have enough patriotism without having to recite a useless vow of undying loyalty to a country that not everyone feels protected by or accepted in. And no, I don’t mean “patriotism” in the sense you all think. True patriotism does not consist of white nationalism, hatred of the government, discarding the health of others because you don’t want to get vaccinated or wear a mask; true patriotism is loving your fellow Americans, treating them as your equals, and studying our fascinating history with a critical eye while still being able to acknowledge the profundity of the actions taken by those before us. None of these actions require saying the pledge. I’ll even go as far as to say that, if your patriotism relies on your saying the pledge every morning and nothing else, then you’re probably not as patriotic as you think.
Joe • Dec 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm
1. why you gotta make this so political
2. Shes not saying she is oppressed it’s just daunting to speak out loud in A class full of your peers
3. 76 years is enough to be considered a tradition
Mama. • Dec 10, 2021 at 12:08 pm
1. It’s political because this issue is a political issue that’s been discussed in politics since it was created.
2. If she can’t say it in a class, that’s on her. If she really wanted to show her patriotism she should be able to do it. That’s totally ok!
3. Traditions only apply for some individuals 😀 Don’t force it onto others like this!
Nicholas Winebrenner • Dec 10, 2021 at 12:08 pm
I don’t think anyone thought patriotism in Lainey’s sense meant white nationalism, hatred of the government, and discarding the health of others, and I truly don’t understand why you immediately started this piece blatantly stating that conservatives are oppressed. #1: She never said she had conservative viewpoints, nor did she say that she was oppressed. #2: Her message is pretty clear, she believes students should say the pledge everyday instead of staying silent. Saying it is strange is also relative, given she stated she said it every day with her class, when she was a freshman. In my opinion, I think you should stop immediately implying that people who support the pledges are hardcore radicals, and I also think implying that someone isn’t patriotic because they are encouraging their classmates to say the pledge is simply disrespectful and wrong.
A dissapointed American • Dec 10, 2021 at 5:16 pm
This is hilarious. First of all, the pledge is indeed a tradition. Second of all, when the pledge states, “one nation under God…” that is indeed because we are all apart of one nation, full of not just “rich and white Roman Catholics.” We are a melting pot of a nation, and that is why American’s should be so proud to stand up and say they are American. If you don’t feel accepted in our country, then I dare you to try to go to some other countries across the globe – see how you feel in countries where there is one predominant religion or culture and if you aren’t apart of that you are terrorized and oppressed from society. Try living in that and tell me America oppresses people who aren’t just “rich and white Roman Catholics.”
I don’t know what your definition of patriotism is but patriotism is “the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.” Loving your country. Supporting your country. Patriotism is NOT a political thing, but people like you make it one. Our country is not the same country it used to be because of people like you. It is literally a law in the state of Illinois to say the pledge every day. If you have a problem with that, and you don’t think kids should “be forced” to say the pledge at school, then take it up with our state legislatures. Good luck with that.
Communists are American too (if they are) • Feb 3, 2022 at 10:58 am
Patriotism IS a political thing – how one feels about one’s country is a highly political matter. Also, the “under god” line, and the specification of “OF AMERICA” were both added as a result of McCarthyism. I won’t stand for that twisted sense of “Americanism”.
Ever heard of the first amendment? • Feb 10, 2022 at 9:18 am
In West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, it was found unconstitutional for public schools to compel students to say the pledge. Forcing students to say the pledge is ALREADY prohibited.