To the Editor:

 Two letters here in the last two weeks spotlight an important element of public education in Cranston. First, Anthony Melillo, vice chair of the School Committee, declared that city schools will continue to begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance (9.18.25) “Why we will continue the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools.” In response, (9.25.25) “Be careful what you pledge to support in schools,” S. Hagberg points out the shadowy nature of the committee's ruling and the excluding effect of “under God” in the pledge.

 I remember reciting the pledge in elementary school, an exercise that felt more like choir practice than Melillo's lesson in “patriotism, respect and civic duty.” Eventually, I heard myself chanting the parts I liked and letting the class carry me in silence through the parts I didn't. Students and parents must remember that in America, “liberty and justice for all” – our most cherished ideals – means that reciting the Pledge remains an individual choice.

Dan Johnsen

Cranston