Before we even begin to unravel this complex issue, we would like to make it crystal clear that we do not feel that standing for The Pledge of Allegiance should ever be made compulsory. We simply feel that it is the right thing to do, or at the very least, should be respected when others around you choose to participate.

Standing for The Pledge is how we both choose to start every single day here at school.  We share a first period class and happen to consistently be the only two who stand when The Pledge is read over the intercom. Generally, our classmates do a decent job respecting our choice to partake, putting their conversations on hold and quieting the abundant noise of the classroom. However, there have been plenty of days this year and in years prior, on which my peers have chosen to completely disregard my pledge to our nation’s values. On a normal day I let it slide, as I see no reason to start the morning with argument and tension, we’ve got plenty of that already these days. Irregardless, there’s been a day or two so far that have been unacceptable to me. For whatever reason, September 11th of this past year was one of the days my classmates chose to be especially loud and disruptive during the pledge. I said  “No.” That will not fly. I turned to the side and let them know that I didn’t appreciate the disrespect, admittedly, with a smidge of heat on it. It’s my opinion that you have the choice of whether or not to stand and pledge, but you do not have the choice of whether or not to interfere with my attempt to do so. My lord, especially not on a day like September 11th; shame on you.

The issue I have with the majority of those who do not stand is that I believe with great conviction that it is out of pure laziness, you don’t want to take the time and energy to think about what you are pledging to, and actually stand and pledge to it. If you are in legitimate protest, one that you can defend and one that you truly put energy behind, I have no grievance with you. We are fortunate enough to live in a country where you have the choice to protest if you see something wrong, and take a stand against injustice if you feel that nastiness breathing down your neck. But, and this is a big “but”, if you simply choose to protest because it seems like everyone else is or you’re too lazy to stand up and find beliefs of your own, then again, shame on you.

I would very much like to make it clear that my recurring pledge is not now and has never been to whomever the current administration happens to be. I am not pledging my loyalty to those in power, something that in fact would be purely un-american. Since 1776, if not before, it has been a principle American ideal to challenge government if they ever begin to abuse their powers, therefore, a pledge of loyalty to any current administration is clearly not the goal of the Pledge of Allegiance. When I stand every morning and put my hand over my heart, I am pledging my allegiance to you. You, the rest of my peers, my family, my neighbors, and the 320ish million people who share this unbelievable country with me. I pledge my allegiance to the American ideals, the idea that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The multitude of positive ideals that have survived our turbulent history, because no matter who happens to be in charge at the time, these things remain, ingrained in all of us.

Everyday when I stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, I think of the soldiers who gave their lives so I could stand amongst my closest friends in a safe school. I stand for those who can’t stand because they have been disabled in combat. And I stand for the soldiers who are still alive, risking their lives everyday to ensure my safety. I stand to show my gratitude and thanks to all the men and women, wherever they may be, whether saluting their drill sergeant or saluting their lieutenant before they leave base camp. Standing for the Pledge of Allegiance is my, very miniscule way, of saying “thank you” to all who have, continue to, or are getting ready to risk their lives to ensure my safety, well-being, and place in the United States of America. Yes, because of these soldiers you are given the right not to stand, but this is not what they are exclusively fighting for. They are defending American values, which grant you the right to not stand, something I want to appreciatively recognize and show my pride that you are given the choice.

If you are unhappy with the way things look in our nation today, stand and pledge your allegiance to what our country is meant to be, and in doing so, hold those who stray from what is right accountable. This is the protest for you if you feel you need one, stand tall, with your hand over your heart, and put your faith in the American Spirit, because that is one thing that will never fade away, one thing that will never die.