The student news site of Amarillo High School

The Sandstorm

The student news site of Amarillo High School

The Sandstorm

The student news site of Amarillo High School

The Sandstorm

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A Moment To Reflect

The pledge, the anthem and the moment of silence are more than traditions
As+Septemmber+11+remebrances+happen%2C+it+is+a+time+for+students+to+reflect+on+remembrance
Abby Perez
As Septemmber 11 remebrances happen, it is a time for students to reflect on remembrance

The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force make up the five branches of the Military. Each branch is in charge of specific tasks; the Army stays on the main ground, the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard have tasks with the seas, and the Air Force works from the sky. A veteran is someone who has served in the military actively and receives a discharge or release for any reason not considered dishonorable. These men and women must be honored and respected for all they have done and lost for the United States.

Throughout school life, students have a special time in their day to stop their current activities, stand from their seat and say the well-known Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the State Pledge, in Texas, and in some places, a moment of silence. At sporting events or even Amarillo High pep rallies, a short period of time is taken out for attendees to hear or participate in the playing or singing of our country’s national anthem. It is important for people to have the opportunity to remember events that built our country or people lost in any battle for our freedom. Schools or events should not consider these times as an inconvenience to simply say a pledge or sing an anthem and have a few seconds of silence for reflection. People should not consider it difficult to respect the flag or respect our country during these crucial moments. Surrounding people should not find it difficult to stay silent and respectful during the anthem or pledge, even if they do not agree with all of the United States policies. 

Every branch of the military, in some shape or form, contributes the freedom U.S. citizens have today. Soldiers fight various battles everyday, whether people know it or not, to maintain U.S. freedom, students and teachers should not consider it hard to take a little bit of time out of their day to remember and reflect on the known and unknown things these men and women do for our country. These men and women fighting and losing their lives are the real-life heroes of our world and they should be respected and remembered for what they did or will do, not talked over or dishonored by inconsiderate people. 

The Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and moments of silence are times to be respected by everyone, they are times to be observed by everyone. The actions done by soldiers in all branches of the military should be honored and esteemed, not forgotten and trampled on.

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About the Contributor
Jennifer Love, Copy Editor
Hi my name is Jennifer, and this is my third year on staff. I enjoy writing opinion pieces and features. I have three very adorable doggies (Marley, Buddha, and Gemma).