Happy Independence Day to all Americans! I hope you are celebrating today with family and friends the freedom that all of us can experience and enjoy because of so many who have worked and fought for it.
Several years ago I became aware of a presentation by the late comedian, Red Skeleton, about the Pledge of Allegiance as its meaning was explained to him by a classroom teacher by the name of Mr. Lasswell. I was so impressed by his words that I began sharing it with some of my classes. It was especially meaningful to them and me following September 11 when it was “cool” to be patriotic; I am ashamed that I have not continued to share it each year since because I believe that it contains a very important message for all of us. My students recite the Pledge each morning at my school, and I know that they do not fully appreciate the words they are saying. It should be a burden on my heart to help them understand those words.
The quality of the video is not the best, so I have chosen to include the text of his dialogue as well.
RED SKELTON: “I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge Of Allegiance and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name… He said”: “I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge Of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word:
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 communities 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
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
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 quality, of dealing fairly with others.
For All
For All — which 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, 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?”
I love Red, thank you for posting this.
Thank you for stopping by my Playing Dishes blog and for sharing this wonderful video. I am sending this video to everyone on my email lists. That is fantastic.
Oh, this was wonderful! My family used to watch his TV program every week! And I remember how he closed the show…and my God bless!
Thank you for popping in to see me!
be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
How appropriate for the 4th of July. I’d love to contribute to crock-pot Wednesday when it starts up. I’ve become a follower so I don’t forget.
Have a wonderful holiday. Blessings…Mary
Oh my Goodness… I LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing that… I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing it before.
God BLess.. Have a Beautiful week!
Hugs,
Debbie
Definitely a story to be repeated. Thanks for sharing it!
I saw your comment and am happy to hear you’re planning on coming to the Ice Cream Social. Should be fun to see what everyone brings to the party!
Hi Debbie! Thanks for visiting my blog. I would love to know more about the crock pot Wed when the time rolls around. I do not use my crock pot much but the few recipes I have I really like.
What a wonderful video & post. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thanks also for visiting my column over at Homemaker Barbi. I look forward to your upcoming Crockpot Wednesday feature!