America’s schools are showing their mettle. A recent Facebook post asking whether the Pledge of Allegiance should return to classrooms has sparked a strong response. Many people shared their thoughts with one user writing, “Yes, the number is the product, this way our children will never forget the consequences of loyalty.” Another said, “Amen, I served for 30 years and this was a major thing for me and my family.”
The comments reflect a common sentiment among Americans who believe that national pride is waning, and traditions like the Pledge of Allegiance serve as essential reminders to future generations about the sacrifices made for their freedom.
However, today’s society seems to send mixed signals about patriotism and respect for the flag. Walk through any major retail store, especially before the Fourth of July, and you will see the American flag printed on a wide range of items – shirts, hats, cups, and even underwear.
Many people agree that the Pledge of Allegiance should return to classrooms to instill discipline and loyalty in children. They believe it is a way to teach respect for the nation and its history. Standing together, reciting the Pledge, and seeing the flag each morning is a reminder of the freedoms they enjoy and the unity that built the country.
However, at the same time, the flag is widely used in commercial products, especially clothing and accessories, which are often far from respectful in context. Underwear printed with the American flag is sold in stores and online, worn as a fashion statement, especially around the Fourth of July.
So, Is This the Right Message for Our Children?
On one side, schools teach children to stand before the flag with their hands on their hearts, reciting words of loyalty and gratitude. On the other side, society is telling them that it’s normal to wear the flag on underwear, swimsuits, and flip-flops – items that end up in the laundry basket or trash after a single holiday celebration.
This contradiction raises essential questions about how we teach patriotism. Does wearing the flag as underwear truly show respect? Or does it reduce a powerful national symbol to a mere design or seasonal fashion?
In the United States, wearing clothing with flag prints is a popular tradition around Independence Day. Before and during the Fourth of July, stores are filled with American flag shirts, swimwear, hats, and accessories as people proudly display their patriotism at parades, parties, and fireworks celebrations.
However, these products often disappear after July 4th, as people tend to treat them as temporary holiday items rather than meaningful expressions of national pride. Most Americans do not wear clothing with flags on it year-round. It is primarily used as a festive symbol, much like Christmas sweaters in December.
The Real Question
If the Pledge of Allegiance is about loyalty, respect, and national pride, what message are we sending when we turn the flag into underwear or disposable decor? Are we teaching children to respect their country only during certain seasons or social events?
The truth is, while many believe that bringing back the Pledge to classrooms will strengthen discipline and national pride, there is also a need to consider how we treat the symbols we ask children to respect. Wearing the flag as underwear may seem harmless to some, but it contradicts the idea of deep loyalty and honor traditionally associated with the flag.
