Attention, salute, and pledge are three words we are all familiar with. These words are followed by, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We place our right hand over our heart and recite these words at many places such as Bible school, morning announcements from elementary to high school, government events, sporting events, and an array of other occasions. However, the other night as the rest of the room recited this oath of loyalty to the United States, you remained silent. You just stood there with your hands by your sides, and you lit a fire inside of me.
This pledge isn't just words we're taught to recite from the time we are young. This pledge has a meaning so near and dear to so many Americans, I don't know how you just stood there. Breaking down the meaning of the pledge is crucial to describe what you just disrespected.
By pledging allegiance you are promising to be loyal to your country. The country that has given you all the freedoms that you currently enjoy as an American. The country that continually offers you protection from threats, both foreign and domestic. The country that has had many men and women lay down their lives to defend the freedoms that you enjoy. You are pledging to the flag, the symbol of your country.
"Of the United States of America" describes the nation of 50 states and several territories, each containing certain rights of their own.
"And to the republic" describes a country where the citizens are lucky enough to elect the representatives from among themselves, rather than have them appointed.
The rest of the pledge goes on the establish the facts that this is a country formed under God whose people have the freedoms to believe as they wish. This is an indivisible nation that cannot be split apart from internal or external forces. These promises are made for every person in this nation regardless of their differences. These promises of freedom are given to you even though you choose to disrespect the pledge and the flag.
I feel as if you personally disrespected every man and women who has served or laid down their life for this country. Some, I personally know. I feel as if you've disrespected my uncle, a veteran who was involved with an accident with an IED in Afghanistan, where he witnessed the death of friends and now continues to suffer from PTSD. You've disrespected my grandpa, a retired Navy veteran, the man whose burial flag I will one day display in my own home with great pride. You've disrespected several of my friends who are currently in the National Guard and are prepared to be called into action if it is ever needed to defend the citizens, including people like you, who can't be bothered to say the pledge and show them respect.
These aren't just words that we repeat for no reason; these are words that show respect to this country, the servicemen and women, and other Americans. Next time you choose to just stand there, I hope you realize how disrespectful you're being, and I hope you change your actions. People like you are what is splitting this country apart. People like you are a problem.
