I believe that our flag is a living symbol of the American ideals and faith in human freedom. It is the symbol of man's eternal quest for liberty, justice and equality. The Pledge was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Christian Socialist minister. Its original words were I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all. De La Vergne Jr School Board De La Vergne, TN 37027 Dear Mr. Schneider and the members of the board, Once again I am writing to you regarding another matter that I feel is being taken too lightly by the board. In my previous letter to you, I addressed the matter of prayer in our schools. Yet despite concerns over what many perceive as an infringement on the first amendment rights of our students and teachers, you refused to consider changing this policy. In the most recent meeting of the board, the issue of a mandatory recitation of the pledge of allegiance came up for discussion. This issue was brought about by Mr. Les Sexton, who expressed his concern over what he perceived as a disrespect that is shown towards our nation when children sit in their classrooms and refuse to recite these words. I am writing this letter because I have been informed that some members on the board are considering making this recitation mandatory by policy. This is a mistake. It is my personal belief that, as a representative government, we should all pledge our allegiance to our country and the flag that represents it not because we are forced to by policy, but because it is what each of us individually feels in our hearts. And so I am writing to you, Mr. Schneider and other members of the board of education in an effort to convince you that this policy must be changed if we want to show true loyalty and respect towards those who have fought for our freedoms.