The moment of silence is placed in the announcements during the Pledge of Allegiance so the students may remember Americas’ heroes who both fought and died for freedom in some way. It is polite as well as respectful to participate in the silence during this period of time. However, teachers must not be allowed to force students to be quiet during this moment.
Every fallen soldier, firefighter, policeman/woman, and any other person who sacrificed their own life for our country should be remembered and respected each day, for the majority of these brave men and women risked their lives for a free nation. The United States, itself, was created so families could live in a place where they wouldn’t be threatened to do something. Today, students in several classrooms are being yelled at for speaking up during the moment of silence. In some instances, teachers would hand out office referrals to whoever they heard talking during this time. Similar occurrences usually happen in places such as China or North Korea when a person speaks up against the government.
“This is only teaches the students discipline, and respect. It does not infringe on their right to free speech or any other rights they may have.” It is understandable how keeping the students from talking during the moment of silence teaches them respect and discipline, however it also defies the very gift each and every American service member fought for; This of course being the gift of freedom.
Teachers should only ASK their students to be silent during this period in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then each student who knows of the sacrifices many have made for them to be in their classroom will not speak until this moment is over. This also allows the teachers to show a more valuable lesson of freedom.