(J.R.S. 90)
Offered by: Senator Bahre of Addison County, Senator Bartlett of Lamoille County, Senator Bloomer of Rutland County, Senator Campbell of Windsor County, Senator Canns of Caledonia County, Senator Chard of Windham County, Senator Condos of Chittenden County, Senator Corrow of Orange County, Senator Costes of Franklin County, Senator Crowley of Rutland County, Senator Cummings of Washington County, Senator Doyle of Washington County, Senator Gossens of Addison County, Senator Greenwood of Essex-Orleans County, Senator Ide of Caledonia County, Senator Illuzzi of Essex-Orleans County, Senator Kittell of Franklin County, Senator Leddy of Chittenden County, Senator Lyons of Chittenden County, Senator Maynard of Rutland County, Senator Mazza of Grand Isle County, Senator McCormack of Windsor County, Senator Morrissey of Bennington County, Senator Munt of Chittenden County, Senator Scott of Washington County, Senator Sears of Bennington County, Senator Shumlin of Windham County and Senator Snelling of Chittenden County.
Whereas, when Americans recite the pledge of allegiance to the American flag, they are expressing their strong dedication to our republic, and to the fundamental American principles of “liberty and justice and freedom for all,” and
Whereas, the pledge of allegiance is regularly recited at numerous public events and in both Houses of the Vermont General Assembly, and
Whereas, historically, public school classes in Vermont began each day by reciting the pledge of allegiance, and
Whereas, the brief moment required to recite the pledge enabled school children to develop a lasting respect for their country and a deep sense of patriotism, and
Whereas, since our nation was viciously attacked on September 11, 2001, many Americans are more frequently, and with increased enthusiasm, reciting the pledge of allegiance as an expression of their renewed sense of patriotic pride and abiding belief in the principles that form the core of our nation’s values, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly strongly urges every school in the state to provide the opportunity each day for recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the American flag, and be it further
Resolved: That the General Assembly urges all Vermont schools to teach the responsibilities of citizenship, including civic awareness of government policies, the need to participate in civic affairs through voicing their opinions and exercising critical thought, and by teaching the underlying meaning of the American flag, and be it further
Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of Education, and to the executive directors of the Vermont School Board Association, the Vermont Principals Association, the Vermont Superintendents Association and the Vermont National Education Association.