Last night was my rod and gun club's monthly meeting. The meeting is called to order and everyone faces the flag and recites the Pledge of Allegiance. I would guess the group size at between 150 and 175 people. I took careful count and can report with confidence: number of people doing anything other than standing straight: 0.
Now for an interesting twist-
I always stand for the national anthem, and will place my right hand on my heart, and proudly sing it! I am proud to be an American, and respect the theme. But, to me, the "Pledge of Allegiance" is entirely different... I will stand, but change the words I say to:
"I pledge respect to the flag of the United States of America...."
"I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America...."
Because I will NOT pledge my allegiance to a "flag" nor a state [in whole] of any kind, it goes contrary to my beliefs as a free citizen in a free country. I believe that no free state should demand or expect allegiance to itself. I will, however, pledge my allegiance to the Constitution, a document that I revere, respect, support, and follow. I don't yell it, I don't protest, I don't make a scene, I don't try to convert anyone to my point of view. Of course, I will discuss it if the topic presents itself (as it has, here).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance_(United_States)#ControversyAnother sticking point for me is non-generic "prayer" in a meeting that is not religious in nature. My Civic League starts their meetings with the Pledge (which I alter) and then followed by a Christian-centered prayer. I strongly object to that because the purpose of the meeting is civics, not religion, and there are people in the group who may be of various different religions or no religion at all. It makes no difference that I am basically a Christian.