Indian Country, NY In Verona, New York, the Pledge of Allegiance
is no mere formality. The auditorium at the Vernon-Verona-
Sherrill High School is perhaps a quarter full, and the eighty-
plus audience members--mainly local senior citizens--stand
attentively between their flipped-up seats and the backs of the
next rows down. A few have already covered hearts with hands,
ready to launch into the Pledge and thus open the fifty-ninth
official meeting of Upstate Citizens for Equality.
Unfortunately, the American flag, that staple of the high school
stage, is nowhere to be found. The audience waits, chuckling and
chattering, as the meeting leaders duck behind the curtain in
search of the Stars and Stripes. Soon, UCE president Scott
Peterman emerges with flag in hand. He indulges in a self-
mocking bow, then, holding the flag above his waist, invites the
group to recite the oath. "I pledge allegiance," they begin in
singsong unison, "to the flag of the United States of America.
And to the Republic, for which it stands