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Rhoades, Piccola, Vets Join Efforts to Unveil
Bill Mandating Pledge Recital
& Display of American Flag
HARRISBURG -- Supported
by members of the veterans’ community, State Senators Jim Rhoades (R-29) and
Jeff Piccola (R-15) unveiled an important measure for Pennsylvania today that
would require public schools around the state to display the American flag and
to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the national anthem in each classroom
at the start of every school day.
Senate Bill 296 represents a bipartisan effort of 23 cosponsors and builds upon
the House of Representative’s passage of a similar measure in the 2003-2004
Legislative Session sponsored by former Representative Allen Egolf. Rhoades and
Piccola noted that this legislation modifies two provisions of a previous law
that were found to be unconstitutional by the United States District Court. The
bill includes language that allows students who have personal or religious
reasons for not reciting the Pledge to opt out.
“The modified language in the bill does not force
students to recite the Pledge, rather it merely guarantees that Pennsylvania’s
children will be given the opportunity to do so,” explained Rhoades.
Additionally, the measure would not apply to any private or parochial school.
“Times have changed, of course, and many now see the
Pledge of Allegiance as old-fashioned and even controversial. Now, with
patriotism at a peak in our country, people are re-embracing the values that
have made our nation strong,” Rhoades said.
“The purpose of this daily observance is to instill
students with a sense of patriotism and an appreciation for what our nation
represents. It also helps to set a respectful tone at the start of the school
day and put children in an appropriate frame of mind for learning,” Piccola
said.
As Chairman and member of the Senate Education
Committee, Rhoades and Piccola are pleased to lead the effort on this bill on
behalf of veterans groups from across the Commonwealth. Leaders who represent
organizations dedicated to preserving the rights of the veterans community in
Pennsylvania as well as the country’s current service men and women share their
support for this legislation.
“Feelings of patriotism are very strong in the
United States today. With our history, it is critical that we teach young
people about the songs and symbols of America so that they show respect at
appropriate times. Nothing evokes such strong emotion as seeing the American
flag as a symbol of the love and pride that we have as a nation,” said Kit
Watson, Adjutant for the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion.
“This is a great way for young people each day to spend a few minutes
acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice veterans made to this state and
nation. It’s important that we pay tribute to both current and retired
veterans. This legislation helps to remind both young and old of the value and
importance of patriotism and freedom,” shared Tom Wasco, Director of Veterans
Affairs for Dauphin County and President of the Pennsylvania State Association
of County Directors of Veterans Affairs.
“Because of the uncertain climate we continue to live in, more and more
Americans are finding strength and comfort in many of our traditions that have
fallen by the wayside over the years including reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance. With that in mind, our colleagues need to pass this bill and
acknowledge the role that patriotism should play in the lives of our young
people,” Rhoades said.
“Now more than ever, Pennsylvania’s children need the opportunity to reflect and
recall the sacrifices that have been made for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
Starting the school day with a brief observance that includes the Pledge of
Allegiance or the playing of the National Anthem is one small but very important
way to accomplish this,” said Piccola.
Piccola
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