The Pledge of Allegiance

[robav8r]

I learned something new today about the flag that I didn't know before. Commissioned Officers should never recite the Pledge of Allegiance either in uniform or out because we swear an oath to the constitution, not the flag. Officers should either salute when covered (outside) or place their right hand over their left shoulder and remain silent. Anyone familiar with this?

 

[Steve Wilkins]

First I've ever heard of this. I don't see how the two would conflict with one another.

 

[robav8r]

First I've ever heard of this. I don't see how the two would conflict with one another.

Was told by an Air Force LtCol today. Actually looked it up later and it appears to be true although it doesn't go into detail about "why" you remain silent.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

Was told by an Air Force LtCol today.

The Air Force can't be trusted. What reference did you find?

 

[OldNavy]

Maybe it's to cover the fact that they can't remember it?

 

[robav8r]

That's what I told him A couple of different military history sites wrt flag customs and traditions.

 

[Beans]

The LtCol is right, here's a link to the U.S.C section that lays it out. http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode04/usc_sec_04_00000004----000-.html

I think the logic makes sense. We "bear true faith and allegiance to the same" where "the same" is the Constitution of the U.S.

 

[robav8r]

The LtCol is right, here's a link to the U.S.C section that lays it out.

Yep, found the same info in a number of different sources but, "why" do military members do this? Is it in fact because of our oath to protect the constitution vice the flag ???

 

[eddie]

I don't really care what the rationale is, and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that is absolutely retarded.

 

[raptor10]

Maybe, legally you could justify an action under the pledge of allegiance that would not be justified under the Oath to the constitution?

 

[robav8r]

I don't really care what the rationale is, and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that is absolutely retarded.

Thanks for the enlightenment Eddie. What I'm trying to get to the bottom of is this: what, if any histororical/military significance surrounds this custom/tradition . . . . .

 

[WishICouldFly]

The Federal Flag Code Sec. 7 states all military members IN uniform, but it says nothing about out of uniform.

 

[nittany03]

Well according to USC as listed above, it says persons IN UNIFORM should remain silent, otherwise no comment. Shame we don't have a JAG to render a definitive verdict . . .:icon_tong

 

[robav8r]

OK, I think I'm starting to get warmer.

An "Allegiance" is in political terms, the tie that binds an individual to another individual or institution. The term usually refers to a person's legal obligation of obedience to a government in return for the protection of that government, although it may have reference to any institution that one is bound to support. In the United States allegiance is required of both citizens and resident aliens. In ordinary speech, the term may include supplemental emotional ties that make it loosely synonymous with loyalty.

An "Oath" is any type of attestation by which an individual signifies that he or she is bound in conscience to perform a particular act truthfully and faithfully; a solemn declaration of truth or obligation. An individual's appeal to God to witness the truth of what he or she is saying or a pledge to do something enforced by the individual's responsibility to answer to God. Similarly an affirmation is a solemn and formal declaration that a statement is true; however, an affirmation includes no reference to God so it can be made by someone who does not believe in God or by an individual who has conscientious objections against swearing to God. Provisions in state statutes or constitutions ordinarily allow affirmations to be made as alternatives to oaths. In order for an oath to be legally effective, it must be administered by a public official. The law creating each public office and describing the duties of the official ordinarily indicates who is authorized to administer the oath of office. A spoken oath is generally sufficient; however, a written and signed oath can be required by law. The most famous oath prescribed by law in the United States is the oath repeated by the president-elect upon taking the office of the presidency.

So, if I interpret this correctly, "Allegiance" is required to be displayed by citizens because they have not already sworn an "oath" to protect the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Bottom line - it's unnecessary for military personnel because we have already proven our "allegiance" through an "oath."

. . . . . . am I missing something here?

 

[phrogdriver]

No one's asked me to pledge allegiance to the flag since grammar school. I don't see the conflict arising too often.