We recite the pledge in our HS school during first period, unfortunately, I'm the only one that says it out loud. Most kids don't even try to stand up. I request everyone to stand up to show respect for our country. Most of them look like they don't give a darn. It's sad.
regarding the pledge, most kids do not understand the words.
for a kid, why pledge allegiance to an inanimate object like a flag ? why not pledge to the country USA or love, or the president. Most do not know exactly what republic is either. Kids also do not have much in the way of liberty either. So a lot of the pledge rings hollow for them.