The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is not required in all schools. Throughout the U.S. about half of the states require the pledge to be recited. In the schools that recite the pledge, students can opt out. However, it is said that teachers and social pressure encourage them to say it with the rest of the class.
History Of The Pledge
According to a CNN report, in September 1892, the pledge to the flag was published in a magazine called “The Youth’s Companion.” It was written to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. The words “the flag of the United States of America” replaced the original words, “my flag”. In 1942, the U.S. government recognized the Pledge.
In the 50s, religious groups protested that pledging allegiance to anything but God was a violation of their rights. In the mid 50s, the worlds “under God” were added causing atheists to abstain from reciting the pledge in school.
Since then, arguments over the words “under God” continued to be used. In 2009, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that parents can make a written request for a student to be excused from reciting the pledge regardless of personal beliefs
Today’s Thoughts About Pledging to the Flag
The ritual of pledging allegiance to our country has much history and has been prominent in our society for about 100 years. Today, it is felt that the words “under God” represents a patriotic, not a religious exercise.
Saying the pledge of allegiance in schools is one of the key cornerstones of an educational day in our schools. But the question remains, do students understand its purpose?
In the recitation of allegiance to the flag and the United States is a promise to support the flag and the country it represents. It constitutes an oath that is said daily in schools. To many teachers, it specifies the start of the day. To students, it simply means that we are lucky for our freedom. They also see it as a promise to love our country for the rights we have.
Each public and charter school must provide students with the opportunity to salute and state the Pledge of Allegiance at least once per week during the school year. Students that choose not to participate are expected to maintain a respectful silence during a salute.
