Wilmot pledges support of Pledge of Allegiance

LINCOLN -- Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City has introduced a resolution calling for the State Board of Education to support the "Pledge of Allegiance" as it is currently written and recited, included the words "under god."

The resolutions also called for the board to strongly encourage all schools in Nebraska to "lead their students in the daily recitation" of the Pledge.

Wilmot prefaced introduction of the resolution by sharing comments penned by District 7 patron.

"The American flag, the symbol of the USA. Loved by its bearers. Respected by its friends. Feared by its enemies. She quietly reminds us of our past and boldly leads us into the future," Wilmot read. "But her strength lies not in a piece of red, white and blue cloth, but in the ones who believe in all she represents. If we fail to pass that belief on to new generations, neither our flag nor the nation she stands for will survive.

The board unanimously approved the motion without discussion.

"I am proud that our board is standing with Gov. (Mike) Johanns and Attorney General (John) Stenburg in reminding local boards and schools that the Pledge of Allegiance as currently written is 'legal' in Nebraska's schools," Wilmot said following the meeting. "Student choosing non-participation in the Pledge of Allegiance have that right; however, the other students and faculty have the right to participate. Schools should continue to provide the opportunity.

Wilmot, who represents the western 35 counties of Nebraska on the eight-member State Board of Education, lives in Beaver City with her husband, Wes.