By Matt Coffey
This year’s morning routine now includes an important piece of American culture, the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge was slowly phased out of schools over arguments about the line “under God,” and the separation of church and state. Nebraska passed a law that made the Pledge mandatory and schools/school districts who choose not to participate can risk losing state funding if they don’t participate.
So what is the proper etiquette during the Pledge? Students have been told they can choose not to participate, but what is appropriate?
According to Emily Post’s etiquette website, “When saying the pledge of allegiance, citizens of all ages should stand at attention, face the flag, and salute by placing the right hand over the heart.” Men and women should also remove hats and/or caps, and military personnel may give the military salute.
But what if you are running late to class? What then? While there are no formal rules for the Pledge of Allegiance, the rules for the Star Spangled Banner are, “If you are on the way to your seat at a sports event, or in any public place, and the first strains of the anthem are heard, stop where you are and stand at attention until the end.” It seems only right that we show the same respect during the Pledge.
Since the alteration of Nebraska rule several other states, including Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, have proposed changes that would make the Pledge of Allegiance required in schools K-12.
Be proud to be an American and participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.
