I know, you're sick of seeing this picture. It's been around.
But I've been giving a lot of thought to this lately, being it an election year. When YOU look at this picture, honestly, what does it mean to you? If it were a Republican up there, I'd ask the same thing. This has nothing to do with your party or affiliation. I'm asking, as an American.
I questioned Eli last night, "What exactly does it mean to put your hand on your heart when you say the Pledge of Allegiance? I've always done it, and I never think twice about it. Does it mean that when I'm saying the powerful words of the Pledge, I mean it from my heart? That they are not just words I memorized in grade school?".
When I see somebody do this, especially in the powerful, leadership position that they are in, I am curious what it means to them and why they don't want to put their hand on their heart. Do they not believe in the words? I really don't think it has much to do with religion or the "under God" part.
Or, do you think it's no big deal? It's not something that is required in order to mean the words you are saying? Who's to say that the words were even spoken that day?
So, leave me a comment and tell me how you feel. What it represents, from your heart. Or is it just no big deal? And don't be anonymous!
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15 comments:
I think placing your right hand on your heart while pledging allegiance to the flag represents your loyalty and your respect to your country. I know when I do this, I am true to these words.
While this may not be important to some people, it means a lot to me. It is a symbol of this great country. I am proud to be an American. My grandfathers and my husband have fought for this country. I am forever grateful to them for this. The flag is a tangible symbol of our freedom and freedom is EVERYTHING!!!
When a presidential hopeful can't see this or show his/her respect by honoring this symbol there is a problem - a HUGE problem.
Check out this link, if you wish to be enlightened/disgusted or both!http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036
Great post, Jaime!
I have ALWAYS placed my hand on my heart while reciting the pledge of allegiance. I usually place my hand on my heart during the Star Spangled Banner as well. Why? Out of RESPECT. Respect for this great country and respect for everyone that has fought for MY freedom. I believe our flag is a symbol of those people. And for them, I am truely grateful.
I am proud to be an American!
Interesting... I have never really thought about it. I guess I think that you can say it and still mean it comes from your heart just the same as if you do or don't put your hand over your heart. However, I almost think it's a matter of respect. I realize how sacred our freedom and history is so I guess I do it out of respect and because thats what I was taught. Great topic!
It's a respect thing. I don't really have anything deep or meaningful to say other than it's a respect thing. And that's just what you're suppose to do....it's the Americn thing to do....
I am NOT an Obama fan whatsoever and if he gets elected President I just may take up residency in Canada. (Not Really)
To me it is also Respect and Loyalty to our Country and that pictures shows proof that he has neither.
Good Post!
I am NOT an Obama fan whatsoever and if he gets elected President I just may take up residency in Canada. (Not Really)
To me it is also Respect and Loyalty to our Country and that pictures shows proof that he has neither.
Good Post!
To me it is just a sign of respect. But I wouldn't feel that someone who didn't do it was showing disrespect, either. Similar to if I meet someone and they don't shake my hand, I don't get all insulted about it.
I always put my hand over my heart during the national anthem, but I know a lot of people don't (it doesn't occur to them or whatever) and I don't think they are unpatriotic. Personally, it bothers me more when people start screaming at the end of the song. I just don't think it's very classy. :)
placing your hand over your heart during the pledge or during the national anthem is a sign of respect. however, like kim said, i don't think those that don't do it are unpatriotic. i have seen some people place their hands behind their back or fold them in front of them.
what i think is unpatriotic is the fact that our school kids can't recite the pledge in some schools anymore - what the hell? where are they ever going to LEARN to even recite it, let alone to place their hand over their heart?
I think It should be over the heart on the pledge, but not necessarily for the anthem. Why, I don't know, I never was told hand over heart for the anthem.
my kid does the pledge in school now, but i remember it stopping when i was in like 5th grade for us. that really bummed me out. for a while i was a little bitter about it because they didn't tell us why they stopped.
now i do think it's respect to our flag and our country, but like kim and jenny said, i don't think that not doing it means disrespect. my mom always says, it's what's IN your heart that counts.
I put my hand on my heart as a sign of respect. I just can't imagine not doing it. Those words are powerful and meant to be celebrated and revered.
Kara
This is a interesting post, because I believe if you dig a bit deeper into the real facts behind this photo you'll learn that the Pledge of Allegiance is not being recited here, but instead they are standing for the National Anthem at an Iowa steak fry 9/07. And much like some of the other comments on this post already, that seems to be a mixed audience -- some do cross their hearts and some don't for the National Anthem.
I think to call anyone who serves our country in a public office 'unpatriotic' is a bit ridiculous - Democrat or Republican.
I think it is out of RESPECT. That is it, I think for some one to even think of running to be president of this country and not doing it is simply outrageous! I wish more people felt this way! Thanks for sharing. Great Post!
I think its something that Unites us as a nation.. hand on heart is something you can easily see, whether at a high school football game or a presidential "thing" you can look around and be excited or disturbed on who is on our team..
IDK?? those are my thoughts..
Annie
It's a good question -- we do so many things out of habit - or because that's the way it's always been done. This one, for me, is huge. It seems like such a little thing, placing your hand over your heart...but he's not Joe Shmow standing at a baseball game waiting for the next hotdog...he's wanting the right to run, defend and represent the US. I am surprised it doesn't bother more people. Aren't you surprised? Especially the thousands of people in our Armed Forces.
There are some things you just do out of respect -- if not for the country - at least for the people that have died to make this country free - and for the people that are sacrificing now for the same reasons. Politicians do so much just for show -- why should this be such a big deal to him? I think that's what really bothers me -- why is something that simple the hill he wants to die on?
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