Patriotism a duty, not right

I was reading through the student handbook for Wasilla High School this evening and came across a sentence that absolutely astounded me.

In the section titled “Student Bill of Rights” it says, “Students may abstain from the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ or salute to the flag.” The right to pray in school was taken away because supposedly it offended people. Is the right to say the pledge or express your devotion to our nation next?

It is my opinion that it’s not a right to express your patriotism, but a duty. Otherwise, what are our soldiers fighting for? As like a lot of other people, I do not always agree with the decisions of our government, but I would never dishonor my beloved America by sitting through the “Pledge of Allegiance.” I have a friend who came back from Iraq earlier this year missing an eye and friends he has lost over there.

Now is not the time (and it never should be) to give students the message that it is OK to not stand up for America. If anything, we should be teaching them they better stand up for freedom or it will be lost to those who want to see us wiped from this Earth. I believe that everyone has the right to choose their own religion or not have one at all. I support the Bill of Rights and our basic rights as Americans. But I don’t believe there is a right not to honor our country.

Freedom of speech is important, but I sincerely hope there is not a single student who would choose to not stand up in honor of our flag, our freedom or the men and women putting their lives on the line to defend them.

Jake McGrane

Mat-Su Valley