Please Stand
Written by Eyonna Mason, Former Student on Friday, January 9, 2015
In the United States, citizens are blessed with a slew of civil liberties and freedoms that many people in the world can only dream of possessing, however it seems to be that as newer generations grow, the sense of pride and respect for our nation has declined. The other day, it was brought to my attention that a student did not even stand for the Pledge of Allegiance without religious reason. It was shocking. I present an open letter to all students who do not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance:
You are an American citizen. You enjoy the luxury of going to sleep at night feeling safe and protected, thanks to our military. Billions of people in other countries are afraid to lay down at night in fear of rape, murder, or other things that could happen to them. They are afraid of a neighboring country invading and enslaving their families in prison, shackling them to serve their enemies. While others fear for their life, you are comfortably seated in a classroom with the opportunity to learn and educate yourself.
You have many opportunities in the United States. In this country, you have freedom of religion. You may worship whatever deity you please, free from fear of persecution or death. You do not realize how truly privileged you are. Please visit a country that imposes a religion or lack thereof before you remain in your seat during the Pledge.
You are an American citizen. Since we declared our independence from Britain in 1776, your friends, family, and neighbors have died for these freedoms. They have sacrificed their lives to protect YOU, and you can’t even honor them enough to get on your feet. Many have been tortured and held captive by the enemy, suffering a fate worse than death, and you can’t even give a fleeting thought to the heavily weighted price that they paid to give you all that you have in this nation. Families have watched their husbands, brothers, sons, and daughters perish to protect their fellow Americans; still other families have to bear the terrible fate of never knowing where their soldier is. Who are you to remain seated? Millions have DIED for YOU. Gain some respect and stand for those who have fallen at the hands of the enemy to protect you from harm. You do not have to pledge allegiance to this country, but as a citizen of the greatest nation of the world, I demand you stand for the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America.
