I grew up saying the pledge, but for the past five years have refused. I was convicted that my allegiance belongs to God and my citizenship in heaven. No man can serve two masters. Likewise, you can't pledge allegiance to two entities. My complete allegiance is with God. I love my country and I am devoted to serving it to the best of my ability. However, I will not make a pledge I cannot keep.

In many cases, punishing the child for not reciting the pledge is really punishing the parents for teaching their religious views to the child and expecting him to live by them. Denying a public education because of benign silence due to religious beliefs is a violation of the freedom of speech and of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment to our U.S. Constitution. You can thank my public education for that knowledge.