I’m proud to be an American and feel blessed to have been born in this country. To honor it and show respect for the flag, I always hold my right hand over my heart when I’m reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or when a flag goes by during a parade. Without fail. I taught my children to do the same thing.

 

It makes me both angry and sad to see how many American citizens don’t, or won’t, observe this basic ritual. Look around the crowd the next time the national anthem is being sung before an event or when the color guard marches by in a parade. If you haven’t noticed before, you’ll be surprised at how many people aren’t showing respect. And it’s not just young people.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in the 1890s. The Civil War had divided Americans and it was thought the flag might be able to help bridge the gap and bring the country back together. It was first recited in schools, but became standard at public events as immigrants began flooding in during the 19th century as a way to instill patriotism and help create a national, assimilated identity.

 

The U.S. national anthem code states uniformed military personnel and veterans salute during its duration. All others should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over their heart; men should remove their hats.

 

The tradition of placing one’s right hand over one’s heart while reciting the Pledge of Alliance is relatively new, put into place by the U.S. Flag Code in 1942. Before that time, reciters of the Pledge were instructed to raise their right hand, flip their palm down, and point it toward the flag. 

 

To do so today is unthinkable for obvious reasons – it’s reminiscent of row after row of Nazis saluting their Fuhrer, Hitler.

 

Honoring your country and flag is taught in school from a young age. Why have so many people stopped doing so? It takes very little time or effort.

 

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. as advisor to my Collegiate DECA students during national competition one year. No matter how you feel about the state of our country, you can’t help but feel an incredible sense of pride and patriotism while you are in that city.

 

Coming face-to-face with the original Declaration of Independence, viewing the original United States flag, and experiencing the many national monuments is indescribable and stirs up strong emotions.

 

Thanks to our right of freedom of expression, although the U.S. Flag Code calls for anyone addressing the flag to stand and place their right hands over their hearts, it’s a personal choice for each American whether to do so or not.

 

While I respect individual rights, I truly find it appalling when U.S. citizens don’t honor the country which has given them so much. When I place my hand over my heart I’m not just respecting the flag, I’m respecting the country, the people, and the blood, sweat and tears that have helped to give me the life of freedom I have today.

 

Today our country is more divided than ever. What will bring us back together this time?