This unnarrated montage of children's voices presents a variety of opinions and feelings about the Pledge of Allegiance. Children's ages range from 5 thru 18, and a variety of ethnic backgrounds is represented in the piece. The montage begins with general feelings about the pledge and moves into a discussion of the definition of the word Allegiance. It then offers children's insights into the relationship between the pledge and September 11, after which the children comment on the recent "Under God" controversy. The piece concludes with thoughts about the pledge and its relationship to children's feelings about America.

It was important to us to represent a variety of opinions and feelings. Children voice both patriotism and dissidence in the montage. These spontaneous interviews were conducted in church halls, at the local pool, at neighborhood leamonade stands, and in homes and businesses. The interviewees were encouraged to speak from the heart and told that there was no right answer to the question: "What do you think about the Pledge of Allegiance?" The integrity and honesty of this generation shines in their heartfelt responses.

This story is part of a special collaboration of public radio stations and Understanding America After 9/11. Locally, KVMR is joined by NPR affiliate Capital Public Radio with these stories.