These local businesses are promoting patriotism in a creative way
Ice cream shops across the nation are offering children free ice cream during the month of July in exchange for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. One participating store is Eskimo King based in Swansea, Massachusetts. Employee Megan Medeiros told local news that the business owner is “big on patriotism.” She adds:
“Our theme always is pretty much red, white, and blue.”
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The shop has been hosting the “I Pledge” project since 2010
July is the shop’s busiest month of the year, but the heat is not the only thing that brings customers in for a sweet treat. Every Monday in July, kids up to 12 years old who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance from memory will receive a free chocolate, vanilla, coffee, or twist cone.
“It’s fun to see them of all ages, especially the younger kids, because they get nervous when they’re trying to recite it, and sometimes they have an older sibling guiding them along. It’s adorable,” says Lauren Morra, another employee of Eskimo King.
She adds that the children who complete the challenge are visibly happy with themselves and feel “proud.”
The “I Pledge” project was originally created by Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia, as a way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month and reward children across America for their patriotism.
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The movement to remove the Pledge from schools inspired the shop owner to adopt the tradition
According to Medeiros, her boss wanted to “bring patriotism back into businesses” when she saw that they were removing the Pledge from schools. The staff reports that dozens of families come in each week to pay tribute to Old Glory and participate in the project.
“I think it’s really nice to keep patriotism alive in America. I know one of the reasons the owner wants to keep this going after all these years is because she believes in being proud to be an American,” reflected Morra.
Other businesses around the nation have incorporated the “I Pledge” project. More information and participating locations can be found here.
