Should children be forced to stand and say the Pledge of Allegience?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wait, really?? They really saluted like that??

Wikipedia, which led me to the Bellamy salute:

At a signal from the Principal the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the flag the military salute -- right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and close to it. Standing thus, all repeat together, slowly, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” At the words, “to my Flag,” the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward, toward the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation; whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side.

Even without the Nazi connotation it still seems a little creepier...but only because I didn't grow up with it I guess.

ETA - the original pledge was written by a Socialist. Heh.