I am proud to be an American. I don't understand those folks who are constantly complaining about America.
When I was a kid in school, I was taught the Pledge of Allegiance, the 23rd Psalm and the Lords Prayer. All three of these were said, loudly and proudly, in the classroom each and every day. At sporting events, everyone would stand, the men would remove their hats and everyone would recite the pledge.
It makes me madder than a wet hen to see people refuse to even stand when others are reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I understand their right to not have to say the words, but what gives them the right to disrespect our flag?
I grew up watching Red Skelton and loved his humor. However, when I heard his explaination of the Pledge of Allegiance I was amazed. Here I had been saying these words for years, but had never thought of the meaning of the words. Yes, I knew of the many sacrifices men and women had made for us to be able to say the words...but what do the words mean?
Read these words and next time you recite the Pledge of Allegiance, I promise you, you will say them with a renewed sense of awareness.
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--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 of America--Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communitites with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is 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.
After you read the words, listen to Red Skelton.
Be proud of being an American.
Happy Birthday U.S. A.
