[LittleDog]

I wonder why for most clubs here they start meetings with the pledge. Everywhere I have lived this was never done except in grade school. Personally I think it serves no purpose. I I love this country and flag but I think it's overkill here. Theoretically as an adult you have to pledge your allegiance only once.

John

[downeaster]

Many reasons but I think one of them is the number of veterans. Also my age group was brought up to respect the flag.
I like saluting the flag at meetings. It reminds me of what it represents and the sacrifices that were made to create and maintain our country.

[Villager Joyce]

It serves a purpose. It reminds us about the freedom we have and the ultimate sacrifices made for that freedom. Is there a reason it shouldnt be said?

[CFrance]

I like it for the same reasons noted by VJ and downeaster. For that matter, what purpose does singing the National Anthem serve at sports games? It's a renewal of a statement of how much we revere our country. It's a reaffirmation of solidarity in the face of so many attacks on the US and its customs and lifestyle.

I suppose if you think it serves no purpose, you could just not join in.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by LittleDog

I wonder why for most clubs here they start meetings with the pledge. Everywhere I have lived this was never done except in grade school. Personally I think it serves no purpose. I I love this country and flag but I think it's overkill here. Theoretically as an adult you have to pledge your allegiance only once.

John

May not serve a purpose to you, but it does for others. Just sit or stand respectfully while others do. However, I don't know where you get the "fact" that "most" clubs do.

[jcgolfs]

Proud to have served in our Armed Forces and always proud to say the Pledge.

[LittleDog]

Originally Posted by DougB

May not serve a purpose to you, but it does for others. Just sit or stand respectfully while others do. However, I don't know where you get the "fact" that "most" clubs do.

I do stand. From my experience I can't recall any clubs that don't. I really don't begrudge people that want to do this. And I did serve in the army.

John

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by LittleDog

I wonder why for most clubs here they start meetings with the pledge. Everywhere I have lived this was never done except in grade school. Personally I think it serves no purpose. I I love this country and flag but I think it's overkill here. Theoretically as an adult you have to pledge your allegiance only once.

John

As a member of the Sons of the American Revolution I can tell you that we always start with the Pledge, after our Color Guard posts the Colors. There are several other ceremonial points in our meeting related to our respect for the USA, the freedoms we enjoy as citizens, and our history. There is much more that could be said,but this is a good summary.

[mfp509]

It will never be overkill for me. I welcome every opportunity to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag and to stand for the National Anthem. I am a proud American.

[hulahips]

Originally Posted by LittleDog

I do stand. From my experience I can't recall any clubs that don't. I really don't begrudge people that want to do this. And I did serve in the army.

John

I can't imagine Any veteran ever asking that question. Everyday I am thankful for all serving and those who served and would gladly stand to pay respect for the freedom it represents God Bless America

[tomjbud]

Here is some interesting history and background of the Pledge: The Pledge of Allegiance

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by jcgolfs

Proud to have served in our Armed Forces and always proud to say the Pledge.

AMEN, brother!!!!!!

[Carl in Tampa]

If you don't like it, don't do it. I have cousins who are Jehovah's Witnesses who don't take the pledge. Muslims I know also abstain. There are probably others.

The government won't come get you if you don't join in.

Like DougB, I question your belief that "most clubs" in The Villages open their meeting with the pledge. The weekly Recreation section of the Sun has about thirty pages of clubs listed with around thirty clubs to a page. Doubt that you get around that much.

Meanwhile, a lot of us like the practice.

[Mallory]

I wish every club would recite the pledge!

At the most recent Chicagoland Club meeting we also sang a stirring rendition of the national anthem to honor America.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by mfp509

It will never be overkill for me. I welcome every opportunity to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag and to stand for the National Anthem. I am a proud American.

Well said!