The Pledge of Allegiance

Each time we say the Pledge, how many of us really think about the meaning of the words we are speaking? The late Red Skelton told the following story about his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt that his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as just something to recite each day at school.

Now, boys and girls, I have been listening to you recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day this semester, and it seems that 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 is 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 forty-eight 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 is love for country.

And to the Republic - - 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 qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - - For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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?

~ Red Skelton, 1969

A Short History of the Pledge of Allegiance by Dr. John W. Baer - This is not a part of the Western Harnett JROTC web site, so you will need to use your browser's back button to return to this page.

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