Clubs that I belong to and some that I use to belong to start their meetings with prayer, pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence or just with a welcome. It all depends on the club or organization.

It has not escaped me that the younger generation appears more disengaged in patriotism and a few that actually mock it. I attribute it to those but its quite another not to believe this nation is exceptional because it is, and once that pride is lost well many of our global neighbors will begin to worry because America has come to their aid many times over.

God Bless America

I can, served in military for 20+ years. There was certain percentage with the attitude "not what I can do for my country, but what my country can do for me"
then there were the rejects!

Personally, I think it is nice to hear a room of adults reciting the Pledge. Of course, there are a fair number of non-Americans here, so they just stand out of respect.

I was taught the only songs you are required - as an American - to stand for are "Hail to the Chief" and The National Anthem.

I will stand for certain other patriotic songs but not all. It depends on the situation as well as the song.

I've always stood for National Anthem and Pledge of Allegience, of course. We've found that here folks stand for all of our Patriotic songs. Turns out for patriotic events, the entire program is spent standing. Sometimes that is difficult.

Did you only tell your wife you love her just once?

So much for theory.
 

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"Theoretically as an adult you have to pledge your allegiance only once."

I think dplars just blew a hole in the "theory."

I'm shocked anyone would say this especially now

When the Pledge is taken away then you will know why we say it now.

In Catholic grammar school we started the day with the pledge and prayers. It didn't occur to me as a student the benefits of this routine for the teacher until I was a teacher. In public school I had to start the class with a bunch of chatty students. It would have been so much easier to start class after a pledge or prayer when everyone is standing at attention and silent.

So I wonder if it is in place out of love and loyalty or maybe it's in place for the same reason a "preshot routine" is in place for the best golfers.

Absolutely.

When I see people who don't want to pledge the flag or sing the National Anthem, it makes me sad.

I have noticed the same.And, like Gracie, it makes me sad.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The first time I had to stand for the flag and say the Pledge, I was utterly bewildered. It became part of my American routine, much like prayers in church and in any parochial school I attended. Saying the Pledge didn't make me love this great nation any more or any less. The same holds true today.

I understand where it makes sense to start a club meeting with the Pledge if it is some type of patriotic club. I'm not so sure I would want to say the Pledge for a state or game club. The same holds true for starting a meeting with a prayer -- silent or otherwise -- in a non-sectarian club. I would, of course, stand respectfully but I doubt I would participate.

Not saying the Pledge of Allegiance does not make someone less of a patriot. Not praying in public does not make someone less religious. We can love this great nation and everything it stands for quietly or shout it from the rooftops. Either way, the love and pride is still there.