The Pledge of Allegiance

	The Pledge of Allegiance as given by Red Skelton on January 14, 1969 During the night of January 14, 1969, Mr. Skelton was speaking about his boyhood memories of school. He stated that one of the things that really stood out was the way one of his teachers presented the Pledge of Allegiance. Following is the monolog he presented. "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 [of the]	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 [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 for country.
	and to the Republic For Which It Stands	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.
	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.

	*And now boys and girls let me hear you recite, the Pledge of Allegiance."* 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 Every time I read or hear this I get goose bumps. More so, at this time when our country is going through so many things. Although the "cold" war is suppose to be over we still have our fathers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers on foreign soil as peace keepers getting shot at. Most are there because they believe in what our Flag stands for and that is LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. Can those of us still at home do any less? If you'd like to view the Pledge as it is said today click here Have a Great 4th of July. Mary Bear The midi playing is God Bless The USA
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