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NWO Golf Links
WHILE VISITING ONE OF OUR LOCAL
schools to introduce golf to that school’s
physical education curriculum, I was
elated to be able to begin the day with
the students as they recited the “Pledge of
Allegiance.”
I arrived early and met briefly with the
Physical Education teacher. She asked
me to wait briefly, while she made that
morning’s announcements.
Before she began, however, everyone was
asked to stand and recite the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag of United States. In
these times when our Flag seems to come
under some very heavy scrutiny and
scorn, it was refreshing to see the students
responding with respect and reverence to
the symbol of American freedom.
I haven't done that in a classroom for 50
years and was not aware they still shared
this hollowed tradition.
As I stood reciting the Pledge with my
right hand over my heart, I was overcome
with a feeling of euphoria that I have only
experienced a few other times in my life.
To listen to my words, the same words all
these children were reciting and offering
respect to our nation and our founded
beliefs was inspiring, indeed.
I realize just how lucky I am to live in
a country, where I have the freedom to
pursue a career as a golf professional,
allowed to practice my personal religious
beliefs and am given the opportunity to
introduce the greatest game on earth to
children.
This probably sounds a little corny, but
that it was one of the proudest moments,
as a person and a golf professional that I
have felt in a very long time.
MARK CROFT
A Golfer’s
Patriotism
Stirred
During
Pledge of
Allegiance