I Pledge Allegiance

“ I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE”
by Red Skelton

Few things have moved me more than reading Red Skelton’s interpretation of the “Pledge of Allegiance,” which he recited on-air back in the 1950s in tribute to one of his own former school teachers who’d shared this interpretation for his class years before. It’s as moving today, and perhaps more timely than ever before, in light of a recent “Ninth Circus Court” ruling. Please take a moment from your busy day to read the “Pledge of Allegiance” as interpreted by Red Skelton so long ago... And may God continue to bless our nation and its people, one and all. Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you...

I----meaning 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.

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 cause, and that's love of country.

Of America.

And to the Republic----a 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----meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible----incapable of being divided.

With Liberty----which is freedom and the right of power to live one's life without threats or fear or any sort of retaliation.

And justice----The principle and quality of dealing fairly with others.

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

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our nation, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance "under God." Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That's a prayer" and that would be eliminated from schools, too?