Veterans and civic groups urge daily recitation and lessons tied to the Pledge of Allegiance in schools

At the HB 117 third hearing, testimony came from Cynthia Bohnling of the American Legion Auxiliary, Merle Pratt of AMVETS Ohio and scout leader Gary Skelly, who urged the committee to require recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and to encourage classroom lessons on the flag and civic history.

Bohnling framed daily pledge recitation as a vehicle for teaching patriotism and civic responsibility and linked civic instruction to long‑term civic engagement and national service. "If we instill a sense of belonging by teaching the meaning of the pledge in the schools, saying it every morning, we will see increases in enlistment and a decrease in complacency down the road," she said. Merle Pratt and Gary Skelly echoed calls for consistent civic instruction and shared experience serving local veteran and youth organizations.

Committee members thanked witnesses and asked for any supporting data; Bohnling and Pratt cited American Legion materials and national veteran service organization resources and offered to provide documents to the committee.

Why it matters: The bill directs schools to encourage pledge recitation and related instruction; witnesses emphasized civic formation and support for veterans as rationales. The topic overlaps with broader debates about civic education and public schools' role in teaching patriotism.

What’s next: The hearing concluded with appreciation for the testimony; sponsors and supporters indicated willingness to supply supporting materials to the committee.