What about pledges in churches?

Around this time of year (early July) here in the US, patriotism and nationalism tends to increase. Understandable. Plus, this is the time when the Stars and Stripes decorate church buildings, inside and out. And, for many congregations, the worship service will include, usually toward the beginning, a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and maybe a song or two like “God Bless America” or “America the Beautiful.” Sermons will start by talking about the freedoms of this nation, the sacrifices of so many to make and keep us free, and then find a way to transition that into mentioning the freedom we have through Christ Jesus.

But I want to ask a simple question: is having the Pledge of Allegiance recited within the context of a gathering of the local congregation (e.g. a worship service) idolatrous?

Is that something you’ve ever considered? I sure didn’t for the years I was of the mind that Christians in the US should and must be patriotic, nationalistic, saying the pledge and so forth.

Simple question. Would love to get your thoughts and have a discussion.