Who’s Responsible?

I hope you have had the opportunity to take in some of the patriotic decorations around the area the past few weeks. If you have not, put it on your ‘to do’ list. Just looking at all the red, white, and blue decorations makes one want to stand at attention and salute even though those decorations may not be in the form of Old Glory.

When did you learn the Pledge of Allegiance? I can’t recall when or how I learned to recite the Pledge. I do remember saying it each day during the week of Vacation Bible School each summer from first grade through high school. The director would say, “Attention. Salute. Pledge.” At attention, we would each stand up with our back straight. When she said Salute, we placed our right hand over our heart. Then when she said the word pledge, we looked at the American flag and recited together the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. “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.”

I’d venture to say that the majority of Americans can say the Pledge. I know that the three- and four-year-old children I taught in pre-kindergarten learned to recite it after the first couple of weeks of the school year. No, I didn’t ‘teach’ them to say it. They learned it because it was part of our morning routine. They heard it each day.

I’d have them each stand and place their right hand over their heart (though I had to help them with using their right hand). The designated flag-holder of the day stood in front of the other children who were standing at attention. I would then say the Pledge. It didn’t take long for parents to begin telling me their wee ones were saying it at home.

Does your child know the pledge to the flag by heart? Do you? How about older children in your family? If not, I’d encourage you to say it every day until you and they learn it. Also, think about what it says and what it means. Talk to your kids about it. Show respect for the flag: Stand. Face the flag. Men should remove hats unless in uniform. Place your right hand over your heart. Don’t chatter with those near you. Say the Pledge proudly along with others. Expect your child(ren) to do likewise. They learn what they live.

Most Americans have heard it enough that we all know it, though this may not be the case for long with the way “political correctness” is dictating what is appropriate, and our flag is being disrespected with no negative consequences. Make it your responsibility to teach your child(ren) this important right/privilege that we have in our wonderful country.

Have a great week and remember to lovingly parent gently.

©2016 Brenda Holland-Robinson