Awakenings: Pledge of Allegiance

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Pledge of Allegiance

This Day in History, December 28, 1945

Pledge of Allegiance:

Say it and mean it!

The Pledge received official recognition by Congress June 22, 1942 when it was formally included in the U.S. Flag Code. The official name, The Pledge of Allegiance, was formally adopted in 1945.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. Although never copyrighted, the Pledge is recorded to have been originally composed by Francis Bellamy in 1892. 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. One of the changes reflects replacement of "my flag" to "the flag of the United States" thus avoiding confusion among persons foreign born who might have in mind the flag of the country of their birth.

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."

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

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.

Controversy...

The pledging of the flag has incited controversy for most of the pledge's 120-year history. That stands without question. To say it is patriotic, representing loyalty to America. Whether or not a person says the pledge is that person's first amendment right. It is most important to remember, however, for every person who stands against the pledge, there are those who are in favor of the pledge. While one may fight to have something changed or removed, the other has just as much right to keep in intact.

Meaning, Phrase by Phrase...

“I pledge allegiance” (a promise to be true)

“to the flag” (the symbol of our country)

“of the United States of America” (each state that has joined the union)

“and to the Republic” (a country where the people choose others to make laws for them -- the government is “of, by and for” the people)

“for which it stands,” (the flag meaning the country)

“one nation” (a single country)

“under God,” (belief in a supreme being)

“indivisible,” (unable to be divided or separated, united)

“with Liberty and Justice” (freedom and fairness)

“for all.” (each person in the country...you and me!)

The pledge says you are promising to be loyal to the United States of America!

Military Connection...

...the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world.

You must remember our duty, our honor and our country.

From a speech made by Capt. John S. McCain, US, (Rep) who represents Arizona in the US Senate.

Embrace the Past...

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.

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

Lofty winds have blown

Along with hail, show, and rain

But this day all's calm

For in death there is no pain

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

Now on the eve of departure

He considers those soon left behind

Memories abate lonliness

Succumbing a little peace of mind

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

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