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 under God,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

From the first grade in September 1965 until the end of senior year in high school in May 1977, I stood up, faced the American Flag, put my hand over my heart said the Pledge of Allegiance.  I was quite surprised to see a child not stand when the Pledge of Allegiance was recited when I worked briefly as a teacher aide in the spring of 1988.  I was equally surprised when I learned in the years after that the Pledge of Allegiance was no longer recited in all elementary and high schools.

Some people have rejected the idea of saying the Pledge of Allegiance based on their religious convictions.  Others choose not to say the Pledge of Allegiance because of the words "under God" which were not part of the original Pledge and are quick to point that out through social media outlets such as Facebook.  Some view the Pledge of Allegiance as a way of "indoctrinating" or perhaps "brainwashing" children into unquestioning loyalty much like Hitler did with loyalty oaths in Germany.  Somehow saying the Pledge of Allegiance as a child will create a mindless adult who will be loyal regardless of what the country and its leadership does.  A "my country right or wrong" doctrine that no one questions.

I attended Roman Catholic schools from grades 1 through 6 and grades 8-12.  I received a wonderful education that gave me the opportunity to look at the facts and come to my own opinions and conclusions.  My love for The United States, The Constitution, the Flag and the Statue of liberty comes not from being "brainwashed" or persuaded to think a certain way or believe a truth, but from a deep understanding of what our country can be based on the principles in both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that doesn't force people to say the Pledge of Allegiance.  In other countries, refusal to take oaths of loyalty often result in imprisonment or death.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that represents all those who died and those who risked their lives fighting for independence.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that represents the form of government created by the Constitution, a new experiment that relied not on a monarchy or dictator, but shared powers and a system of checks and balances.  A government that gave votes and voices to its citizens.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America".  The flag of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Monroe, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and all the men and women who guided the country through its beginning.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that Abraham Lincoln and the northern States fought so long and hard to preserve.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that draped the coffin of Abraham Lincoln and all those who have died to ensure that we remain united and free.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that says "that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth."

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that every immigrant who has made the journey to our country sees.  The flag that offers freedom.  The flag that welcomes.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that Francis Scott Key saw still flying at Fort McHenry in the early morning hours after the Fort had been bombarded by by the British throughout the night.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America".  A flag which is not merely a piece of cloth with some stars and stripes on it, but a flag which symbolizes the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy.  A flag whose country and people have been tested time and time again, but still stand tall just like our flag.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that says all must be equal and we will continue that quest until equality is achieved.  We will not allow anyone or any group to deny equality.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that says everyone's voice and vote does count and must be counted.  The right to vote was not granted to all citizens immediately.  The struggle was long and difficult.  Our flag reminds us that we must never allow anyone or any group to turn back the hands of time and deny anyone the right to vote or silence any voice.

"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America", will you join me?