Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

3 - Countdown to 4th of July

Countdown: 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1

Day after tomorrow we will be celebrating the 4th of July. Whew! Seems like just yesterday and we were celebrating Christmas...well, maybe not that far back but time does seem to fly by all too quickly!

Click HERE!
From Red Skelton Show 1969.
Pledge of Allegiance: 

Say it and mean it!

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As you watch the video and listen to the words of Red Skelton, keep in mind this was produced in the year 1969! 

The Pledge of Allegiance was originally composed by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931) in 1892. It received official recognition from Congress in 1942 but was not formally adopted by Congress as the pledge until 1945. Bellamy's intention was creation of a pledge that would be used by the citizens of any country. The Pledge has been modified four times since its composition.

Official versions
(changes in
red bold italics)
1892
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the republic for which it stands,
one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
1892 to 1922
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the republic for which it stands:

one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
1923
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States, and to the republic 
for which it stands;

one Nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
1924 to 1954
"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."
1954 to Present
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and 
to the republic for which it stands, 
one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
  


Melancholy Soldier

Arguments Englishmen used against the King and his use of taxation and an army would later influence thinking of the American colonists. Within battlefields of their homeland lay the ghosts of their ancestry.

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Fields of battle now a lonely place
Bare bloody images and broken bone
Only a few forlorn soldiers left
Anticipate the joy of going home

Tiny_StarTiny_StarTiny_Star 

 Lofty winds have blown
Along with hail, show, and rain
But this day all's calm
For in death there is no pain

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 Once resting in a damp, creepy barn
Or peacefully nestled beneath a hedge
A soldier pays homage to his homeland
Never questioning loyalty or pledge

Tiny_StarTiny_StarTiny_Star 

 Now on the eve of departure
He considers those soon left behind
Memories abate lonliness
Succumbing a little peace of mind

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In dreams he holds his soul mate's hand
A vision that makes his life complete
Solemnly he ponders life's games
Together they will one day compete

©2013 Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults

  "On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind." Dan Lipinski


3 comments:

  1. Hi,

    Thank you for publishing this poignant video of Red Skeleton and the pledge of allegiance. I sit here with tears in my eyes because the flag of the United States of America still holds my fascination and my love. I served under that flag. As an expatriate, living outside of the United States of America, I do my best to represent the country of my birth proudly.
    Today, listening to Red who was one of those Hollywood stars that I admired greatly, I am reminded of the godly principles that made the United States, great.
    Once again, thank you and I sincerely hope you have a blessed Independence Day.

    Shalom,
    Patricia

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  2. Oh. My. Goodness! Sitting here with tears in my eyes!

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  3. Me too. Diane. I always loved and watched Red Sketon, but somehow missed this. Sharla--what an absolutely wonderful poem for our soldiers everywhere and in all time perods,and especially now in one of the worst wars--the never-ending terrorist Jhads.

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