Commentary to the
Pledge of Allegiance
Many years ago, Red penned the following commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance. I think it's good for all of us to take a minute and remember his words.
I
me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge
dedicate all of my worldly goods without self-pity.
Allegiance
my love and my devotion.
To the flag
(of the)
our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Whenever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts "freedom is everybody's job".
United
that means that we have all come together.
States of America
individual communities that have united into 48 great states. 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose, all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love of country.
and to the Republic for Which It Stands
Republic ... a state in which sovereign powers is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people, and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
One Nation
One ... so blessed by God.
Indivisible
incapable of being divided.
With Liberty
which is freedom, the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation
And Justice
the principles or qualities of dealing with others.
For All
for all ... which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
Red Skelton -- "Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance - 'under God.' Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That is a prayer," and it was eliminated from schools too?"
.
How prophetic he was! A man who could see the sad future, long before it ever came to pass.
God Bless You, Red.
You were wise beyond your years.
Red Skelton was a real hero to me when I was growing up. If you'd like to actually hear that original broadcast, simply click on these lines.
This WAV file is 604 kb so it takes about a minute to load on a 56k modem.
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