Key facts
- A Mississippi teacher introduced students to books by author Jack Carr.
- Many students at the high school were not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Students cited disagreements with current politics and policies as reasons for not standing.
- After reading Carr's books, more students began standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
- The teacher believes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US is prompting reflection on patriotism.
Bestselling author Jack Carr, a former Navy SEAL sniper with 20 years of service, learned of an anecdote from Mississippi teacher Kelly McGinnis. McGinnis, a substitute teacher at Northwest Rankin High School, shared that over half his students were not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, citing disagreements with current U.S. politics and policies, despite military family connections. McGinnis introduced his students to Carr's books, which he felt emphasized patriotism and sacrifice. He observed that more students began standing for the Pledge and encouraging others to do so. Both McGinnis and Carr believe the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States may be prompting students to reflect more deeply on the nation's history and the sacrifices made for freedom. Carr noted the impact of the story, reinforcing his belief in the power of reading over excessive phone use for young people.