No flag pledge at Manchester High School

Dear Editor,

It's that time of year again when we honor our students of Chesterfield County for their accomplishments. My daughter invited me to attend an awards assembly at Manchester High School. Her son was to receive his third award for academic achievement. I was very proud and happy to go with their family on this occasion. The program began, the flags were presented, and we sang the National Anthem. There was no pledge to the flag. Several days later, we attended the graduation ceremonies for Manchester High School at the Siegel Center, and once again, there was no pledge to the flag.

Later on the same day, we attended the graduation ceremonies for one of my other grandsons, who graduated from Midlothian High School. It was touching as we placed our hands over our hearts and said the pledge to the American flag. Thank you, Midlo.

The following week, I attended an awards ceremony at Bailey Bridge Middle School for one of my granddaughters, who was receiving an award as well. Thankfully, we were able to stand and honor our country and flag by saying the pledge to the flag.

My question is: What's wrong at Manchester High School? We were not given the opportunity to say the pledge to the flag of the United States of America. Our young men are fighting and dying to help bring about peace, and we don't even show enough respect for our country, flag and the men who are dying, to even say the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation's flag at such an important occasion?

Barbara Shropshire

Chesterfield