ARLINGTON, Mass. -- Not only was Wednesday the first day of class at Arlington High School, it was also the first day that the Pledge of Allegiance was recited school-wide in decades.

NewsCenter 5's Randy Price reported that Sean Harrington, a senior, led the movement to bring the pledge back to the school and led the recitation on Wednesday.

Harrington began his campaign to bring back the pledge last year, and eventually presented the school committee with a petition with 700 signatures. The school committee voted to reinstate it in the district this year.

"There is a very big patriotic connection with this town, and by not having the pledge, I find very wrong," Harrington said.

Harrington's push drew national attention, and hundreds joined his Facebook group to bring back the pledge.

At least one parent said the change was overdue.

"I came to America many years ago. I love it here," she said. "I don't think it's excessive."

Students are not required to participate. Some said they didn't recite the pledge and said they were offended by the controversy.

"I personally didn't say it, and I was a little surprised they did it over the announcements," one student said.

Another student stood out of respect, but did not recite the pledge.

"It shouldn't be this big a deal. It is the Pledge Of Allegiance. I personally will never say it. I don’t like saying it. But Sean Harrington wants to say it, so he can say it," she said.