I realize that this topic is a very bold thing to talk about publicly. Most of the time we are scared to voice our opinions on big topics like this because we aren’t sure how people will react. But that’s when I think that it’s time to step out of our comfort zones and stand up for what we believe in- after all, we do live in the country of FREEDOM, where our voices are allowed to be heard. I know that so many people don’t see this as a problem, but I also know many people who are strongly against this as well. So what’s my opinion on sitting for the pledge or the national anthem? I strongly believe that if you are an American citizen, you should 100% stand up for the national anthem and the pledge. It’s a sign of respect for those who have fought in wars, suffered tremendously, and even died for YOU! 

Let’s start off with why I feel so strongly that it is crucial for an American to stand for the pledge and national anthem. My dad was a United States Marine for 12 years. He fought in countless battles, losing many of his close friends along the way. He was in many situations where he was close to losing his life. But he was willing to go through this because he wanted Americans to have the freedoms that we are privileged to have today. There’s a reason why they say that America is “The land of the free and the home of the brave.” Millions of soldiers have died during war, so that they could help give us the freedom that we have today. The Star Spangled Banner was written as a symbol of being United as a country after the US was being bombarded by the British. The Pledge of Allegiance was written for all of America to come together under the supervision of God because he was looking after them during the time of war. Both of these key elements of America are set as a form of respect and unity that other countries don’t have to offer.

Staying seated during the pledge and national anthem grew in popularity this year. Although I don’t understand why people decide to sit down, I’m sure that they have a reason. Maybe it’s to prove that they have a voice. Many people do it for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Personally, I don’t know why BLM relates to the respect that the US soldiers deserve for dying for our freedoms. I think that it is very disrespectful not only to the soldiers, but to the family and friends that have had to suffer because of their bravery. Standing up for the pledge and national anthem is the least you can do as an American citizen. I will admit that America can be very naive when it comes to many outlooks, but this is something that I believe should not have to be argued. 

Most Americans don’t realize how privileged we are to be living in a country as strong as we do. We have the freedom to practice any religion, speak about any topic, have PEACEFUL protests, the right to bear arms, and so many more. I have been to third world countries and I could cry just thinking about the life that the people have to live every single day. Give Haiti as an example. I was only there for a week, but they lack so much freedom, as well as the basic necessities. I just wish that everyone got the opportunity to travel to a place like Haiti because it will change one’s perspectives on how they view America as a whole. It breaks my heart to think about how we treat America because of our feelings and attitudes towards what is happening around us that’s not what we like. I know that millions of people from other countries would give anything to be able to live in America, so I think that we should be careful to not take advantage of being able to live so freely.

I am someone who loves the aspect of politics, but I don’t think that this has anything to do with politics. Whether you like Trump or if you like Biden, everyone should stand, and that should NOT be compromised. Many people also started kneeling for the national anthem at ball games. A list of NFL teams that began to kneel during the national anthem this year are: The San Francisco 49ers,   the Tennessee Titans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Los Angeles Rams, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Detroit Lions. These teams began to kneel because of Police Brutality and racism. But I feel like those teams that represent America aren’t showing the Patriotism and respect that they should. Let me remind you that freedom does not come free!! Just ask those who had to pay a price for you and I.

A lot of people had no idea that people sat for the pledge, but once I told them that I have witnessed it every single week, it really just opened their eyes to what was happening in the country that they are living in. I do agree that people are allowed to do as they feel, but I have seen people that not only sit for the Pledge of Allegiance, but they stay on their phones. I think that it should take at least a little respect to get off your phone for the short 7 seconds that it takes to recite it. Personally, it makes me upset to see this happening, but I know that America is still under God’s control. God is still in charge, and I believe that he works all things out for his good.

Again, these are all my opinions. Something that I absolutely admire about America is that we are able to share our opinions so openly. And I respect what everyone else does and chooses to do, even if I don’t agree with them. But as I said, we are all united as a country, so it is so important for us as citizens to show that we are all together as one. I believe that everyone should stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem as a form of respect for our country and our soldiers. This is something that I know some people don’t agree with, but it’s very important to me, as well as so many others. WE are the change that America so desperately needs.