Community Chat

[Imadickens]

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.

[corita]

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!!

[MacDUFF]

@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-allegi...

edit = correction

[Ms X]

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.

[sidsmom]

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@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.

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

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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.

[Burnsite]

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.

[IamMrsG]

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.  

[Burnsite]

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.

[Lucky Charm]

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

God bless him.

[sparklestar]

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@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.  

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