I've always thought of the national anthem as more of a collective show of appreciation for the good parts of the US, which is probably why I've always been OK

I've always thought of the national anthem as more of a collective show of appreciation for the good parts of the US, which is probably why I've always been OK with it. The pledge of allegiance, on the other hand, feels like a forced statement of blind loyalty. Gives me the same ick I get whenever I've been at some sort of rally or protest when they try to hype up a crowd. I've never been to church but I'd imagine it's the same thing.