When I set out to write this story, I initially meant for it to be a column about the implementation of symbols and rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance in schools; however, after realizing that my many sources were all equally deserving of the spotlight, I decided to cut the story in two so that I could tell the story about the pledge's impact in schools while also making my own separate point about the modern state of American patriotism. The second story would be classified as a column; however, ironically (and contrary to my original purpose), I view the pledge story as the main focus of this combination.
