Wednesday, September 17, 1997 Mr. Red Skelton passed away. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of millions of Americans. He will be greatly missed.
Red Skelton 1912-1997
Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance
By Red Skelton
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- 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 qualities, of dealing fairly with others.
For All – For All, which means, Scouts, it’s as much your country as it is mine.
And now, Scouts, let me 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 it should be eliminated from schools, too?
Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Comment
Paraphrased from a Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton