Since this is still Independence Day weekend in the United States, I thought it would be appropriate to present an amazing short, but powerful, presentation about our “Pledge of Allegiance.”
It was given by the grand comedian Red Skelton on his show in 1969. The text of this speech is below the video for you to appreciate. While listening you may think, But those are not the right words! Keep listening until the very end. You’ll understand.
(If you cannot see the embedded video in your newsletter email, please click the headline and go directly to our site to view it.)
Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.
“I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester
and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.
If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?”
I
me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge
dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.
Allegiance
my love and my devotion.
To the flag
our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever
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
individual communities that have united into 48 great states.
Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and
purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to
a common purpose, and that’s love for country.
And to the republic
a state in which sovereign power 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.
For which it stands, one nation
one nation, meaning “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 principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
For all
which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your
country as it is mine.
***~~**~~***
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 that would be eliminated from schools too?
