What does it mean?
Red Skelton was born July 18, 1913 in Vincennes Indiana, and died in Rancho Mirage California on September 17, 1997. He was an American comedy entertainer and was best known for his national radio and television acts. This is a monologue done by Red Skelton in 1969. The meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I remember a teacher that I had, I only went through the 7th grade. I left home when I was 10 years old because I was hungry. It is true, I would work in the summer and go to school in the winter, but I had this one teacher he was the principal of the Harrison school in Vincennes, Indiana. To me this was the greatest teacher, a real sage, of my time anyhow, he had such wisdom and role reciting the Pledge of Allegiance one day, and he walked over this school teacher Mr. Laswell was his name. Mr. Laswell walk in and says; I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it’s becoming monotonous to you, if I may, may I recite the Pledge, 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 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. Of the united; that means that we have all come together. States: 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 for country. And to the Republic; of a state in which sovereign powers invested in a representative, chosen by the people to govern, and this 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 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, and some sort of retaliation. And justice; the principal or quality in dealing fairly with others. For all; that means it is as much your country boys and girls, as it is mine. Now boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance; 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 and wouldn’t it be a pity, if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too.”
This monologue done by Red in 1969, was his way of bringing home the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. It was also his way of protesting the removal of prayer from the schools on June 17, 1963. This is made evident in his last line of his monologue being concerned that the Pledge of Allegiance may also be taken out of the schools because the word God is in it. Are you concerned?
As we celebrate the Fourth of July tomorrow, I would hope that each and every one of you understand the holidays meaning, and do not take it for granted. This freedom was, and still is being paid for with the blood of our soldiers passed, and present.
As parents it is important for us to keep our standard high with our children ensuring they learn the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and the value of their religious freedom. Teach them love of country, respect for the flag, but most of all the love of God.
We as authors have the opportunity to demand our representatives honor their vows made when they took their office. We can call for public outcry in demanding they keep their word and the pledge they made. As in the monologue they are there to serve us, we are not there to serve them. An honest man will keep his vow, a pledge, and a sacred trust. Are the people representing you from your state honest and honorable men?
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
James 5:12
If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
Numbers 30:2
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
Psalms 116:14
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Matthew 5:37