Special prayer, pledge day is appropriate

Young people's days can be just as rushed as any adults'. And in the middle of it all, they are bombarded with images that encourage them to grow up too fast, dress too provocatively, use foul language and try a litany of other activities to start them on a rocky road to adulthood.

But Sept. 17 helped them pause to refocus on what is ultimately two of the most important parts of their lives: love of God and country.

First, it was See You at the Pole day, where students lead prayer for their peers around flagpoles before schools. Eighty Jackson High teens turned out for the event and 150 Central High students. They came to show their love of God to the entire school and perhaps open the door to share their faith with others. Later, some Jackson schools participated in Pledge Across America, where students at schools across the country all say the pledge of allegiance together.

Perhaps these annual observances are the first step to instilling love of God and country every day.