topic Re: True patriotism! in Community Chat

True patriotism!

Imadickens — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 21:48:25 GMT

The news just showed a little boy going into school,( maybe first grade?) in a line of kids and heard the pledge being said, stopped, put his hand over his heart, said the pledge and moved on. When asked why he stopped he said, " That's what you're supposed to do!" Then he said he hoped everyone would have a nice day! He put too many grown ups to shame!

If anyone knows more about this, I'd love to know about it! I got in on the end.

Re: True patriotism!

corita — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 21:56:23 GMT

I saw this presentation on the news today! The little boy is five years old. He was running late to get to school, and when he got to the front of the school, he heard the pledge. Most schools I have been in, the pledge is said over the school sound system. He stopped, put hand over heart and repeated the pledge along with the voice on the microphone. Am sure his mother is bursting with pride!!

Re: True patriotism!

MacDUFF — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:01:24 GMT

@Imadickens

Here's an article from womansday with pic...great story, jewel...thanks for posting about it...

http://www.womansday.com/life/advice/a56237/boy-was-running-late-for-school-but-the-pledge-of-allegiance-stopped-him-in-his-tracks/

edit = correction

Re: True patriotism!

Ms X — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 21:59:37 GMT

That is so sweet! I love the patriotic people, but as Americans we have the right to decide whether to salute the flag. Shame on me that I can't remember whether this comes from a Supreme Court ruling our just our First Amendment (I do remember the Supremes' ruling on flag burning). The un-American thing is to limit the choices here.

Re: True patriotism!

sidsmom — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:13:37 GMT

@Ms X wrote:
That is so sweet! I love the patriotic people, but as Americans we have the right to decide whether to salute the flag. Shame on me that I can't remember whether this comes from a Supreme Court ruling our just our First Amendment (I do remember the Supremes' ruling on flag burning). The un-American thing is to limit the choices here.

The United States Flag Code outlines the protocol, but even though it's law, it's not enforced.

------------------

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN
UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.

Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by
striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new
subparagraphs:

``(A) individuals in uniform should give the
military salute at the first note of the anthem and
maintain that position until the last note;

``(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who
are present but not in uniform may render the military
salute in the manner provided for individuals in
uniform; and

``(C) all other persons present should face the flag
and stand at attention with their right hand over the
heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should
remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it
at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;

Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers - non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

Re: True patriotism!

Burnsite — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:19:24 GMT

The Pledge of Allegiance was introduced during the Cold War in the early 1950s.

If a child says the pledge, it is because that child has been taught to say it.

To me, "true patriotism" is shown by (as put in the lyrics of "The Star Spangled Banner") "Freemen [who] stand/ Between their loved homes and the war's desolation," men and women who have put themselves in danger to help democracy.

A five year old child is not an exemplar. Our soldiers are. I really wish people would give the honor and credit where it was due. And honor sacrifice with adequate compensation and medical care.

And not assume their own placing of decorations and flags has much to do with preserving the republic. It does not.

Re: True patriotism!

IamMrsG — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:20:14 GMT

This story is truly beautiful. I wish this thread could have continued on topic at least a page or two without other rhetoric being injected.

I am thankful for this child's parents. There's hope.

Re: True patriotism!

Burnsite — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:22:04 GMT

Wow, I think ideology was injected when a five year old is praised for being a "true patriot." Think of the people who have died as adults defending this country. I guess they do not matter. Just the picture and the sound byte.

Re: True patriotism!

Lucky Charm — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:26:12 GMT

He was taught to be respectful, he didn't do it for all the *pomp and circumstance* he's received since.

God bless him.

Re: True patriotism!

sparklestar — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:39:36 GMT

@IamMrsG wrote:
This story is truly beautiful. I wish this thread could have continued on topic at least a page or two without other rhetoric being injected.

I am thankful for this child's parents. There's hope.

Like the last remark in that story "It's kids like Royce that give us hope for the future. Great job little guy."

Re: True patriotism!

mstyrion 1 — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:56:39 GMT

@Burnsite wrote:
Wow, I think ideology was injected when a five year old is praised for being a "true patriot." Think of the people who have died as adults defending this country. I guess they do not matter. Just the picture and the sound byte.

____________________________________________________________

I agree with you @Burnsite.

I agree with your prior statement too.

The ideology clearly does come with the suggestion that saying the pledge of allegiance makes a 5 year old or anyone for that matter a "true patriot". There are innumerable ways to show patriotism.

Re: True patriotism!

Blahblahvampemer — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:45:29 GMT

Such a sweet picture!

A few weeks ago, we stopped at the Racetrac north of Gainesville, GA (985), and a little boy just had to hug a police officer that was in line. Awwwww. His mama raised him right.

Re: True patriotism!

itiswhatitis — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:45:40 GMT

@sidsmom wrote:
@Ms X wrote:
That is so sweet! I love the patriotic people, but as Americans we have the right to decide whether to salute the flag. Shame on me that I can't remember whether this comes from a Supreme Court ruling our just our First Amendment (I do remember the Supremes' ruling on flag burning). The un-American thing is to limit the choices here.
The United States Flag Code outlines the protocol, but even though it's law, it's not enforced.
------------------
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed servicemembers, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.

SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN
UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.

Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by
striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new
subparagraphs:

``(A) individuals in uniform should give the
military salute at the first note of the anthem and
maintain that position until the last note;

``(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who
are present but not in uniform may render the military
salute in the manner provided for individuals in
uniform; and

``(C) all other persons present should face the flag
and stand at attention with their right hand over the
heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should
remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it
at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;

Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers - non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

This applies ONLY to Service Members in or out of uniform. Civilians are not required by any law to recite the pledge of allegiance.

Re: True patriotism!

Imadickens — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:46:44 GMT

Ok, I'm a little confused here. Is there only one true patriot allowed? If you are not a soldier, you aren't a patriot? I fail to see how one thing impacts the other! In fact, I would think that a child stopping, even when he's late for school, to say the pledge, is the biggest thanks a soldier could get! It says he comes from a family that appreciates the sacrifice our service people are making. Because he says the pledge doesn't mean he doesn't want our military to get better care, be appreciated more, or get the thanks they deserve! I suspect what is upsetting a few of you is my label true patriotism. What would you call it? He did it because he has been taught to honor his country by respecting the flag, which is the symbol of our country, which is what our military fights to protect! Our military fights to protect our rights, like the right not to pledge even though we are taught that we should show our respect to the flag and all it symbolizes. The flag symbolizes the best we have to offer the rest of the world, and that little boy is part of that. Because I think he's a true patriot by no means diminishes how I feel about our military. My relatives have served in every branch of the military. My uncle was a military Army doctor and was shot in the leg in WWII. My father, a Marine was deafened by gun fire. My fil had frost bite from being a waist gunner in the 8th Air Force. My grandfather was in the Navy. So, I support our military. I support our country, and I proudly pledge allegiance to the flag, and for which it stands...one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Re: True patriotism!

itiswhatitis — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:50:31 GMT

@Burnsite wrote:
The Pledge of Allegiance was introduced during the Cold War in the early 1950s.

If a child says the pledge, it is because that child has been taught to say it.

To me, "true patriotism" is shown by (as put in the lyrics of "The Star Spangled Banner") "Freemen [who] stand/ Between their loved homes and the war's desolation," men and women who have put themselves in danger to help democracy.

A five year old child is not an exemplar. Our soldiers are. I really wish people would give the honor and credit where it was due. And honor sacrifice with adequate compensation and medical care.

And not assume their own placing of decorations and flags has much to do with preserving the republic. It does not.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth's Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.

In its original form it read:

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added. At this time it read:

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy's daughter objected to this alteration. Today it reads:

"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."

Section 4 of the Flag Code states:

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.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-man-who-wrote-the-pledge-of-allegiance-93907224/?no-ist

http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm

Re: True patriotism!

Imadickens — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:54:09 GMT

@Burnsite wrote:
Wow, I think ideology was injected when a five year old is praised for being a "true patriot." Think of the people who have died as adults defending this country. I guess they do not matter. Just the picture and the sound byte.

I am having trouble understanding why, because I feel that little boy is a true patriot, I don't care about those who died for our country! I'm sorry you feel that way, but nothing could be farther from the truth!

Re: True patriotism!

Maudelyn — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 23:56:35 GMT

A true patriot stands up for the rights of others to exercise their constitutional rights even though they may not agree with what others say or believe. You can train a dog to lay down when he sees the flag, the same as a child can be trained to place his hand over his heart when the pledge is being recited.

What happened to the widespread belief that the pledge isn't recited in schools? Glad to see that misnomer debunked in this thread. For that the OP has my thanks.

Re: True patriotism!

itiswhatitis — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:01:13 GMT

@Imadickens wrote:
Ok, I'm a little confused here. Is there only one true patriot allowed? If you are not a soldier, you aren't a patriot? I fail to see how one thing impacts the other! In fact, I would think that a child stopping, even when he's late for school, to say the pledge, is the biggest thanks a soldier could get! It says he comes from a family that appreciates the sacrifice our service people are making. Because he says the pledge doesn't mean he doesn't want our military to get better care, be appreciated more, or get the thanks they deserve! I suspect what is upsetting a few of you is my label true patriotism. What would you call it? He did it because he has been taught to honor his country by respecting the flag, which is the symbol of our country, which is what our military fights to protect! Our military fights to protect our rights, like the right not to pledge even though we are taught that we should show our respect to the flag and all it symbolizes. The flag symbolizes the best we have to offer the rest of the world, and that little boy is part of that. Because I think he's a true patriot by no means diminishes how I feel about our military. My relatives have served in every branch of the military. My uncle was a military Army doctor and was shot in the leg in WWII. My father, a Marine was deafened by gun fire. My fil had frost bite from being a waist gunner in the 8th Air Force. My grandfather was in the Navy. So, I support our military. I support our country, and I proudly pledge allegiance to the flag, and for which it stands...one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

This is YOUR interpretation of True Patriotism and it's fine. Just be prepared when not everyone sees it your way.

Re: True patriotism!

Lucky Charm — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:05:16 GMT

Merriam-Webster's definition for patriotism:

Love that people feel for their country.

(spot on OP)

Re: True patriotism!

itiswhatitis — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:07:52 GMT

@Lucky Charm wrote:
Merriam-Webster's definition for patriotism:

Love that people feel for their country.

(spot on OP)

Does Merriam-Webster tell us in what ways we should show love for our country @Lucky Charm?