I  love when “out of nowhere” and “just when you least expect it” — a moment in time becomes a memorable one. Totally unexpected — but the second it happens, you know it will be remembered.

I took my 5th grade class for a restroom break as our first day of EOGs was beginning. (It was before 7:30 a.m. for those who may wonder when we start our school day.)

The usual “chatter” was nowhere to be found, and it was evident they were nervous about the test. My focus was on pencils, paper, attendance, Kleenex, restroom break  —  basically taking care of procedures to give students the best testing environment possible.

We were in the hallway when we heard the words on the intercom that we hear each morning, “Please stand for the pledge.” Realizing we were not in our normal place to stand and look at our classroom flag, I assumed we would just have to recite the pledge without a flag in sight. Facing my class, I placed my hand over my heart and then realized that each student was looking past me to a flag across the hallway outside the school office. As I turned to join them — for some reason — my tears began to flow.

In that brief 15-second pledge, my students’ voices resonated throughout the hallway of our school that morning, reminding me of the countless times and many children that have stood and recited those words with me daily.

They became mothers, fathers, teachers, doctors, soldiers, retail workers, construction workers, nurses, NFL players, pastors, veterinarians, dentists, researchers, business owners … and this is just a sampling. What an honor it has been for me!

During this time between Memorial Day, Flag Day, and 4th of July, let’s celebrate our great nation — The United States of America! Take time to tell your children and your grandchildren about how blessed we are to live in a country that is still the land of the free and home of the brave.

May God bless America, land that we love!

It has been a privilege reciting the words of the Pledge of Allegiance daily with young Americans! Schools have changed over my years in education, but one thing that has remained:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,

And to the Republic for which it stands,

One Nation under God,

Indivisible,

With liberty and justice for all.

 

Ann Farabee, writer, teacher, and speaker, has taught in Kannapolis City Schools and Mooresville Schools. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com