NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
17 October 2002

U.S. FLAGS, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REQUIRED IN CITY SCHOOLS

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the Harrisburg School District has a U.S. Flag in every classroom and that the Pledge of Allegiance will be recited at the start of every school day.

Reed said that almost all classrooms in the District already had the flags and the Pledge of Allegiance was already being recited in most classrooms. The new policy requires it to be conducted districtwide in all schools and classrooms. In some instances, older flags will need to be replaced.

“Citizenship is a critical part of being an American citizen and every student needs to know that he or she is part of a very dynamic, diverse and extraordinary nation. We are each part of a splendid democracy and every young citizen should know that he or she is an important member,” Reed said.

“The flag of our nation is a symbol that goes far beyond its fabric and colors. It has been the beacon of freedom across the world and many have died to protect and defend it. Every student must know this. The Pledge of Allegiance is an expressed commitment that we understand our American Citizenship and that each of us is committed to the preservation of our country’s freedoms and dedicated to maintaining the nation’s strength,” Reed said.

Reed said: “Many hundreds of students from Harrisburg have served in the military defense of this nation. Many died in the country’s service. They deserve perpetual remembrance and I regard having the flag and the Pledge as daily parts of the district’s school life as part of this.”

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