Never had to be concerned with any foreign "oath". Just anthems.

Which version? I learned it before the "under God" part was added as a sop to the Christian right. Still don't say that part. I'm such a rebel.

There was no Christian right back in the mid 50's, rather the Under god was added by the power of the Knights of Columbus as a way to promote their view of how we should differ from "godless" Communism. It was during the peak of McCarthyism and blacklists and checking for Commies under your bed that we got the additional verbiage.

It is called freedom. Specifically freedom of choice.

But the real question is: Did anyone in that era ever find a communist under their bed?????

Can't I just go to a show and not have to deal with this stuff?

. For a little girl reciting the Pledge of Allegiance .... MAYBE I'd stand just to make her feel special, but not for a commercial song just because it's become a "thing".

And yet... for many decades people have stood, hand over heart, IN MASS at public gatherings and events when Kate Smith's "God Bless America" is sung. Are ALL those millions "unpatriotic" ? Certainly it is not the national Anthem, and NO ONE should be criticized for NOT standing, but Greenwood's rendition has become an "unofficial" national anthem and what harm is done if many come to their feet, or continue to sit ? The, "political posturing" by saying the pledge of allegiance to our country ? Posturing by a young child ? Posturing by a band who (if you think about it ) may just actually have a deep love of country ? Perhaps all members are veterans ? Don't know, but there are many possibilities !
Have you not seen people come to their feet at the playing of a college anthem, or at hearing a hymn like Amazing Grace ? Would those who stand, or sit, be considered "better", or "worse" Christians ? What is the REAL harm in emotionally reacting at a public entertainment, who is actually harmed ? And exactly does that indicate a lack of respect, or patriotism ? Perhaps a more accurate measure would just be the percentage of people who turn their back on the flag and anthem when presented ? The logic is missing here, we KNOW what is customary (standing in respect), but certainly there is NO flagrant disrespect for country, or God, by also reacting emotionally to many melodies !! Also, no one has the same experiences, but, I HAVE seen people (truckers in this case) going down the highway and saluting a passing flag. I did not, and do not, judge them disrespectful or non-patriotic for that ! Have also seen many salute the flag covering a casket, including my father's.

Well the greatness of our country, a democratic REPUBLIC, is you, others, myself, we can all react as individuals. People do sometimes stand when the National anthem is played on TV, you've just not had that experience is all. When in the world is the connection between the SIZE OF WHEELS on a truck and having RESPECT for a symbol of our country ??? SIX FOOT Wheels ? SIX FOOT ? I did see those once at a demonstration of OFF ROAD MINING EQUIPMENT made by an American company, but have never seen six foot wheels on a big highway truck, not denying they are out there and running regularly at all.

My wife and I were just having this conversation. I couldn't agree with you more!

But if I am interpreting this all correctly, the focus seems to be would/did you, a veteran, think LESS of those who did stand, I know my hubby, a marine who saw combat, would not, even if he continued to eat, he would not consider those who did stand a non-patriotic at all. That's the part that just doesn't make sense. It makes me think of something I never considered; are those who quietly bow their heads without fanfare, and SILENTLY say a pray before a meal in public, actually judged by those around them ? Never considered that, but it's the same category of comparison.

That's the beauty of our nation, you don't have to. If we all lived in China, or in North Korea, none of us would dare refuse, and we'd all keep a picture of the "dear leader" in a prominent place in our homes. Here we can chose to NEVER have any picture of any politician in our home if we choose, yes, I am so lucky to be an American. Just to throw it in, I also like that our justice system differs from many other democracies in that here you are innocent until proved guilty, not the opposite !

I would stand for the Pledge and don't think there is anything wrong with the band doing what they did. If some don't stand, so what.

Exactly. I'm a vet too and the only song I'll stand for is the national anthem. Standing for Greenwood's song spread in the villages like a cult.

That was the point of the original post... Standing for the Pledge...