The school bell calls as students settle into their desks as “Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance” crackles across the loudspeaker. Every morning in first period, students are given the opportunity to recite the Pledge– while some decide to sit, students should consider joining in to show hope for the nation, especially during a time where the nation could use some.

In today’s age, people have forgotten something that is important in representing American history, and that is the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge is something every child in school should know growing up. People in the military fight for the Pledge and the flag every day, and we need to support them.

While students are not required to recite it under the First Amendment, individuals should consider the lives sacrificed for the privileges they now enjoy. It takes roughly 15 seconds to say the Pledge. It is the least we can do to honor those who died for our freedom.

Lastly, children should recite the Pledge owing to the fact that it unifies our country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were not required to recite the pledge during the school year, causing many to fall out of the habit. The Pledge allows these students to come together and express their hope for the country, which is incredibly important in the polarized society we live in.

We the people should understand what constitutional rights Americans have and understand exactly what the flag and Pledge of Allegiance represent.  We need to ensure that the next generation and the ones after knowing why we stand for the Pledge and honor the flag.