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.
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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?
Fun Fridays – July 2, 2021
Exactly! Thank you, Steve.
Love it!!!
We, the people, need to take back our country from our so-called leaders. At this point, only prayer and God can save us.
Beautiful. Meaningful. Thank you.
Perfect.
Yes, indeed. A good reminder that freedom is everybody’s job and I need to look out for my neighbor.
Thank you. This never gets old . A great reminder of how blessed we are to live in America.
It’s been years since I heard Red Skelton. His presentation is so powerful. Thank you!
Love this. Thanks for sharing it, Steve!
Thanks so much for this touching share.
Powerful truths regarding America, freedom is never free and we need standard bearers in our day willing to do the work of standing no matter the cost for freedom rather than shaking our heads and assuming that all is lost.
As long as there is a God in heaven who has not said that this nation is completely lost, we can use our voice locally and see what the impact is.
I’ve got to rally folks locally to challenge the election in my county; we had 104% turnout…
So moving, Steve. I was raised in a military family during the Cold War and Vietnam years. I was taught dedication and respect for my country, the flag, and the application of the Pledge to all Americans. Many don’t feel that it applies fully to them and that is heartbreaking. God is no respecter of persons and neither should America be toward her citizens.
I’ve always enjoyed this. The first time I saw it I was expecting something funny but was pleasantly surprised with a meaningful message.
Proud to say Red Skelton was a fellow Hoosier, and I think this was his best “serious” performance ever. The monologue was so popular, he ended up recording it for Columbia Records!
Yes, worth repeating over and over until we understand how great is our nation. Thanks.
Awesome! And prophetic.
As so many have said, thank you for sharing! May I pass this on to my family members?