Yesterday, June 14th, was Flag Day. I thought I would share the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Pledge of Allegiance is a unique document. It begins with the word “I” and ends with “all.” I thought I would take a few minutes and go over each word in the Pledge for its true meaning. The word “I” does not mean all of us as a group or everyone except me. It means me and it means each one of you.
“Pledge allegiance” is a solemn promise of loyalty by the citizens of a country for their government. Not every individual within the government, or all aspects of the wheels of government, but to our form of government.
“To the flag of the United States of America.” The allegiance is not to a piece of cloth, but to its symbolism. It represents our country. The country that gives each of us the opportunity of becoming all that we wish to become. A country of vast size, beauty and diversity that is unparalleled in the world.
“And to the Republic for which it stands.” A Republic … a style of government in which the supreme power rests with the body of citizens entitled to vote, whose power is exercised by their chosen representatives. Where representatives, for whom we did not vote, can still represent everyone without the fear of anarchy. A type of government that may not be perfect, but has successfully guided our country to greatness over the past 200+ years.
“One nation”, a mix of different states, regions, races and religion that are designated with one label: Americans. A country that can have diverse differences of opinion and argue among ourselves. But a country that will join together when threatened by natural calamity or hostile outside forces.
“Under God.” While the Constitution recognizes the separation of church and state, we also recognize the right to believe in a Supreme Being. Every religion has its own definition of its God. Whatever that image is, we are all free to believe without fear from our government.
“Indivisible.” We cannot be divided into separate parts. That was proven during the Civil War, one of the most trying of times for our country. Oh, we can have differences of opinion on how things could or should be done. When push comes to shove, however, we will stand together for what our country stands for.
“With Liberty.” Freedom. Freedom to choose what we will do with our lives. Freedom to live wherever we wish to live and to work hard to become whatever we want to become. The freedom to get on a plane and go 3000 miles across the country without ever being required to show a government official documentation of where we are from and where we are going. Freedom to own property, to save and invest money, to speak out against our leaders or to believe in or refuse to practice a religion.
“And Justice” Equality and fairness. Being rewarded for working hard. Being punished when doing wrong. It’s not perfect, but the system works well when faced with the imperfections of mankind. I dread the thought of the alternative.
“For all.” These qualities and pitfalls are for everyone, whether black, white, brown or yellow. We are all part of this society called America. We are all entitled to the rewards if we do well and must suffer the pains of regret if we just let things slide.
Have you ever noticed that no one tries to get smuggled across the border to get into Mexico? I have never seen anyone trying to build a raft at the beach, hoping to make it to Cambodia! No, everyone wants to come to America. Why? Because, we have everything we need here. All the books we need, all the classes we need, all the lectures we need, all the churches we need, all the schools we need, all the sermons we need, all the opportunity we need … we have everything here.
As I said in the beginning, the Pledge of Allegiance is a unique document because it begins with “I” and ends with “all.” Each of you and I are individually responsible for working toward the betterment of all. So the next time you say “The Pledge of Allegiance,” listen to the words and keep their meaning in mind. Be happy and proud to know you live in the greatest country in the world.
