Every Monday morning, at roughly 7:26 a.m, we’re told to “Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance” via intercom. And what do you see? Rolling eyes, sitting teenagers and “too-cool-for-this” expressions. What I want to know is why is this such a chore for everyone?

Though it obviously isn’t the law to recite this pledge, I believe that out of respect we should feel compelled to do so and not worry about ridicule or embarrassment. After all, you simply stand, put a hand over your heart and say a few sentences.

The Pledge was created by Francis Bellamy in 1892 to honor his country and its symbol, the American flag. He wanted to remind people of how fortunate they are to live in a country where there really is “liberty and justice for all”. So shouldn’t we express the same honor to live in this country, and shouldn’t we express the same gratitude towards those who fought for us to have the life we do?

I believe that most should ponder on how total strangers, maybe even family members, fought or died for you to be here today, receiving an education and having the freedom to do virtually whatever you’d like. The least we could do to repay them is to educate ourselves on this matter at hand and have the respect to stand up for what they fell for.

By Jordan Bryson