Letter to the editor:
I write on behalf of 154 city of Fort Atkinson residents, with that number growing and many who are veterans, who have signed a petition requesting that our city council make room in its meeting agenda for the Pledge of Allegiance. Now presently, the Pledge is not being done.
Consider that the Fort Atkinson school board opens all of its meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors has made the Pledge a regular agenda item, and both houses of the Wisconsin State Legislature as well as Congress open their meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. Our Fort Atkinson City Council does not.
In circulating the petition, many residents are actually surprised that the Pledge is omitted from council meetings or wonder when it was discontinued. One elected official recently stated that the Pledge may be considered “too conservative.” Another elected official stated that it is “something [that will not be pursued] adding to the council agendas.” At an average of 22 seconds to recite, including standing up and sitting down, the Pledge of Allegiance is certainly not time-intensive. As one public speaker recently stated at a council meeting, the Pledge is neither conservative nor liberal – it is for all of us.
Why should we do this? Along with the United States Constitution, the American flag and the Pledge may be the only expedients holding us together as a nation in these turbulent political times. The Pledge represents the ideals of liberty and justice for all our citizens, demonstrating respect for the values of our country which generations before us have defended. It serves to strengthen the unity of our goals and purposes as a city. Whether or not you agree with these values or the degree to which they have been accomplished, these values built this nation and honor our city. In itself, the Pledge is not required; it does not violate First Amendment rights. It does not establish a religion, and it certainly does not abridge freedom of speech. Indeed, some folks use that freedom to honor the flag while others burn it. Nonetheless, we may regard the Pledge as a vision statement – one of the few remaining establishments behind which we can rally.
The organization Citizens for a Greater Fort Atkinson gave council a draft resolution which would make room for the Pledge at the opening of all regular and special meetings. It is expected that this resolution will be referred to the Ordinance Committee for consideration, as city ordinance sets agenda structure, and that the Ordinance Committee will refer the resolution back to council with a recommendation for passage as soon as possible. June 14th is National Flag Day – a prime opportunity to get this done.
Our city recently observed Memorial Day at Evergreen Cemetery with a magnificent ceremony honoring heroes who have given their lives to defend this country and its core values. The American flag was front and center. Additionally, the American flag is displayed from virtually every light post on our city’s Main Street, and at countless private residences. The American flag is not new to us, and neither is the Pledge. Let’s get the Pledge of Allegiance made a permanent part of city council’s meetings, timely with National Flag Day. If there is a compelling reason why this Pledge of Allegiance request should be delayed or denied, then an elected official should state that reason.
John Donohue
Fort Atkinson
File photo/Kim McDarison.
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