Most of the Memorial Day parades near us were cancelled last weekend due to the weather. But, my experience makes me aware that a public recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance is standard fare. It reminds me of parochial school days, where every morning started with a ritual: a prayer, the Pledge, and announcements about sports and cafeteria menus. As a seventh grader, I found the Pledge odd because it seemed to elevate a flag over values like t…