When I was in elementary school, the morning routine never varied. We stood to say the Pledge of Allegiance and then sang a patriotic song before settling in to study. I remember when the words, “Under God” were added, and wonder how many people alive today know that the two words which have become so controversial were not always part of the recitation.
In honor of Veteran’s Day, it seems appropriate to examine what we are really saying when we repeat the Pledge. As with any other commonly repeated phrase it’s easy to recite glibly without realizing the meaning of the words. So, let’s take it apart.
“I pledge”—a pledge is a promise but, at least for me, the word pledge seems to have more weight. And this is me, the person standing here in these shoes, who makes that promise. Saying it as a group doesn’t relieve me of personal responsibility.
“Allegiance”—meaning loyalty. If you are loyal to something or someone, you stand by them, and don’t waver in troubled situations.
“To the flag, of the United States of America,”—united means together, and we are assuming here that the states will stand united against all foes, internal and external.
“And to the republic for which it stands,”—a republic, according to Webster, is a state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote, and is exercised by representatives elected by them, and responsible to them.
“One nation, under God”—affirming again that we are in this together, and that God is involved. (I am not promoting the newer version, nor expressing an opinion. That is just how it is now written, and how it’s said.)
“With liberty”—meaning freedom in all its aspects.
“And justice”—meaning fairness.
“For all.”—everyone is treated the same. That sounds lofty, and is certainly a goal to strive for, but anyone who is honest knows that it isn’t always so in America or anywhere else. Still, we can do our personal best to make it happen, even to calling out the persons or entities that do not adhere to our best hope.
Examined closely, the Pledge is really a challenge to each citizen, and not to be taken lightly. Take time to think about what your words mean and teach your kids to do the same. And take time this week to thank a veteran, who has made a commitment to put those words into action.