The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton

Click here to hear these words spoken by Red Skelton

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

"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.

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.

For which it stands And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

One Nation Under God 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.

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?" 

Red Skelton