New School Year, New Pledge of Allegiance?

Los Gatos and Monte Sereno students resumed classes on Monday, Aug. 19 and they're starting each day with the Pledge of Allegiance — a tradition that goes back generations.

In California, as is the case with most states, public school classrooms are required to offer "patriotic exercises."

Most participate, but some students object to the phrase "Under God" and refuse to take part in the daily routine.

Los Gatos Patch posed the question to users last week on Facebook and received some feedback. Here's what they had to say:

Benjamin Musolf Simply put. Yes.

Angela Petropulos Pappanastos No, but they should be encouraged to say it. I think it should be memorized.

Scott Savage Absolutely.

Liz Carsten Leigh Yes!

Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal Yes, i think you learn the concept of nationalism. Respect for your country. It also teaches what our country stands for. Kids need to respect their country and learn what it stands for.

Cassie Maas I have fond memories of reciting the pledge of allegiance as a kid and I recite it now at least twice a month. It is important and should be said. I realize some religions have a problem with the word God, but it's our pledge of allegiance and until it is changed, it should be said as it was written. I really don't care if the word God is in it or not as we are supposed to have a separation of church and state but since it is in there, it should stay.

Dan Huddleston Yes

Dawn Lucero Yes...I believe they should. I think saying it teaches our children to show respect for their country. I think the pledge is about freedom, patriotism and about remembering what this country stands for and who fought and died for it.

Irene Aida Garza-Ortiz Yes, they should say the Pledge of Allegiance like I did when I was a child! This is AMERICA! And should be Proud of it!

Judy Zeiss Perez-Remke Yes!

Liz Carsten Leigh I grew up saying the Pledge & I believe in what it says. We need to be sensitive of other people's beliefs, but not to the extent of getting rid of saying The Pledge of Allegiance, and Merry Christmas.

Lani Harr Absolutely. My son is in Kindergarten and loves reciting the pledge each day. We have had many discussions about the meaning of the pledge and the importance of patriotism. He was a little disappointed to learn we were indivisible and not invisible... But that's another story. My vote is a resounding yes.

Jill Miclean Absolutely!! I second what Dawn said.

Patricia Otero Yes!

Kim Roberts Bettencourt I agree with Dawn also... Our U.S. money says "in God We Trust" but I don't see much contorversy about God's name being on that.

Marilyn Leonard yes

Carl Law No. I think it should be up to the student and the parents of the student. The beauty of this country is that no one can make you say or not say anything. That being said, I believe the love of ones country, respect for ones country men and women and responsibility to ones community should be taught in the home on a daily basis. Just reciting the words ...with liberty and justice for all... is not as powerful as doing something that helps to bring about liberty and justice for all.

Carole Hendrix Absolutely YES!

Amie Sue Purvis-Caplain Yes

Margi Koch Yes! Plain and simple!