The Pledge of Allegiance. We all know what it is. We all have it memorized. Yet slowly it has become obsolete to our school community. Back in middle school, everyone stood for the Pledge and never gave it a second thought. Now? It couldn’t be more different. To see someone standing for the Pledge at LM is a rare occurrence. Despite that, students should put aside the notion that standing automatically affiliates them with a certain political party, and stand to show respect to those who have served our country.
It is important to ask ourselves why: why has this simple task that we used to perform so often gone to the wayside? Although there isn’t a single answer to this, if you ask most students, it is almost guaranteed that you will hear people proclaim “laziness,” or simply not wanting to as their reason. However, looking closer at the factors and timing that prompted the universal “sit for the stand,” reveals a notion that effectively challenges that idea. Students can both show respect to their country by standing for the Pledge, as well as stand against the injustices and systematic discrimination that takes place within that same country; the two are not mutually exclusive and in treating them as such, we are perpetuating a negative narrative about the Pledge insinuating that it has some intrinsic political connotation. Although students may believe that laziness is the reason, it likely has more to do with the fact that refusing to stand has become the status quo. A Pledge that calls for “liberty and justice for all” should be uniting, not dividing. We are pledging allegiance not to a god, or individual, but to the ideals our country represents.
Supporting the flag now seems to represent more than it once did, with many creating the flawed connection between the flag and conservative viewpoints. Given the politically liberal prevalence in our community, students at LM often choose to sit during the Pledge to protect themselves from others creating false impressions on their political ideologies. As more sit, others follow suit.
Standing for the Pledge should not be seen as a political statement. The Pledge honors the sacrifices made by those who safeguarded the freedoms of America. Students are reminded of the numerous men and women who gave their lives to defend the democratic ideals symbolized by the flag. They are able to salute the sacrifice made by earlier generations by rising and saying these lines, reiterating their Pledge to defend the liberties that form the basis of American civilization. Honoring those that have gone out and risked their lives should never have political connotations. The basis of our country is freedom and liberty; the Pledge reflects this. By standing and reciting the Pledge, we not only honor the past sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedoms but also signify our ongoing dedication to preserving the democratic ideals that define America. It underscores our shared responsibility in upholding the principles of liberty, justice, and equality that have guided this nation for centuries. It never has been a political statement, and it should remain a politically neutral practice to recite the Pledge each morning. We have been standing for the Pledge since we were five years old. Why would we stop now?
The Pledge of Allegiance encapsulates the notion that despite our individual differences and diverse backgrounds, we are united by a common allegiance to a nation where all citizens have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to the betterment of society. The act of standing for the Pledge fosters a sense of civic duty, encouraging active participation in the democratic process and a commitment to safeguarding the freedoms and values that have defined the American experience. In a world commonly marked by division, this daily practice reminds us that unity and the pursuit of a shared vision can transcend our differences and lead us toward a brighter future. At Lower Merion, it may be difficult to try to take a leap of faith and step outside the norm. However, we encourage you to take this step and soon you will see others follow you. It’s time to stop sitting for justice and start standing for it.
Unsigned editorials reflect the general opinion of the opinion staff and not the opinion of any single editor.