SHELBURNE – Should the town say the Pledge of Allegiance at Town Meeting?
The Selectboard had mixed views at this week’s Monday meeting, eventually deciding to revisit the idea next year, when political engagement is likely to increase.
Town Clerk Joe Judd, who brought the idea to the Selectboard, suggested soliciting a non-binding resolution to ask residents if they are in favor of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at annual and special Town Meetings. The Selectboard didn’t proceed with that suggestion.
Shelburne has not recited the Pledge of Allegiance in Judd’s memory, he said. Judd has lived in the town for several decades and served on the Selectboard for 21 years.
“Our country is in such disarray … I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, a Republican, Libertarian, Whig, Tory,” Judd said. “But, when you stand and pledge to the flag, your allegiance, that’s the one time where, whatever you are, we’re all standing together as Americans.”
Selectboard member Andrew Baker expressed some uncertainty about the idea due to the pledge’s history, as an “artifact” of the Cold War. In Baker’s view, the American flag represents the Constitution, which he described as the “bedrock” of the country.
“I affirm my desire to uphold the Constitution,” Baker said. “That’s what the flag stands for … that is the document that makes us all American.”
Those opposed to the Pledge of Allegiance are not obligated to recite it, Judd said.
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited in public schools, who are required to do so each day by state law.
A number of local towns recite the pledge at their special and annual Town Meetings, according to a survey Judd conducted. For example, Rowe recites the pledge at its Town Meetings, Executive Secretary Janice Boudreau said. However, Buckland and Ashfield do not say the pledge, their town clerks confirmed.
Reach Grace Bird at gbird@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280.