The Amish don’t stand for the US Anthem because of their religious beliefs and commitment to peace. They’re American citizens, but they prioritize their faith in Christ over their loyalty to the country. That’s why they avoid patriotic symbols.
Their faith centers on following Christ’s peaceful and nonviolent example and the national anthem’s language doesn’t match Amish values. Some even say it reflects a history of violence that shaped the nation.
Historically, the US national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. It became the official national anthem of the United States in 1931.
The Anabaptist people generally see the anthem and flag as symbols of American military actions.
However, this doesn’t make them anti-American. They appreciate living in a country that respects religious freedom and don’t judge those who display flags or stand for the anthem.
The Amish and other Anabaptist groups have always valued Jesus’ teachings of nonviolence, love, and peace. Their opposition to military violence is nothing new. Their patriotism focuses on liberty and justice, not militarism or violence.
Not embracing patriotic symbols like the flag and anthem makes the Amish different from most Americans. It can lead to them feeling isolated and misunderstood because people might think they’re not patriotic.
However, their choice also shows their commitment to a peaceful way of life and their religious freedom, which is a core value in the United States.
The fact that the Amish are allowed to follow their religious convictions and abstain from patriotic displays reflects the country’s commitment to respecting diverse beliefs.