On the pledge aspect, I won't comment, but how could an anthem possibly be inconsistent with freedom?
(Ever seen Casablanca?)
If it was essential, why did the Founding Fathers not write us one?
I hope this is talen in the spirit I intend it, the internet can be so dry - BUT:
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excessive fetishism over national flags, hymns/anthems, pledges is dangerous - one runs the risk of confusing the symbols with the thing, and in losing th eproper relationship between our particular governemnt, and the governed.
Compare and contrast "Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country", with the sentiments of the founders and the relationship they had in mind:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."
Our governemnt exist to serve me - not the other way around. Flags, anthems, & pledges risk becoming tools for those who would reverse this...