The Flag. What is it? It is more than a piece of cloth that represents a specific part of the earth. A flag is a symbol of what a country is all about. What it's people are all about, what they believe, what they hope to achieve, what they will protect, and what they will die for.  The Declaration of Independence, the American Constitution, and the many writings of patriots, civic leaders, and philosophers tell all about what our Flag of  the United States of America stands for.

The Pledge of Allegiance is a treasure chest of information if we take the time to examine the words that capture an ideal of who we are.

Some years ago a man by the name of Red Skelton, famous as a comedian and Shrine Clown, who made millions laugh on national TV,  presented a short yet serious dissertation on the Pledge of Allegiance  when asked by young school children what  it really meant.

His explanation was so profound that it was later read into the United States Congressional Record.
As it is the best explanation ever recorded, we present it here for your contemplation as it was spoken in that schoolhouse so many years ago.   A modern day version is offered by clicking here

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 courage; and wherever she waves there is 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

Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided by imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common cause, and that is love of country... of America.

And to the Republic

Republic--a soveriegn state in which 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; the right of power for one to live his own life, without fears, threats, or any sort of retaliation.

And Justice

The principle, and qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All

For All--that 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:

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.

 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

Click here for printable modern day version
of the Pledge of Allegiance