American's should have more respect for the flag, Pledge of Allegiance
This column publishes between June 14 (Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the US flag in 1777) and July 4 (day designated as Independence Day, commemorating the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in 1778).
I noted almost 100% of the international students with whom I interacted as an educator displayed a deep fervor for their nation of origin and the flag that symbolized their identity.
Do we find that same emotional and patriotic connection within the United States of America?
Many remember starting schooldays with the Pledge of Allegiance. Some stand and salute the American flag when attending a parade — maybe for the Fourth of July. How many insolently “take a knee” before a school or professional athletic event?
A Supreme Court ruling in 1943 declared that no school nor government may mandate anyone to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute the flag. States, however, may require these patriotic expressions.
Why would such demonstrations of national pride need to be compelled? Why are we not proud to be citizens of this nation? Admittedly, this land is not perfect, but is there a perfect society/culture/entity in the world? Are there more emigrants from or immigrants into our borders? An honest answer to that question explains it all.
According to Minnesota’s statute (2022) 121A.11, Subd. 3.Pledge of Allegiance. (a) All public and charter school students shall recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America one or more times each week.
Internet sources reveal that some Minnesota school districts have adopted policies that do not adhere to the cited statute. Readers should contact their own school/school district about their policies relevant to the flag and the pledge.
Entertainer Red Skelton lamented in 1969 that the Pledge of Allegiance could be eliminated from American educational institutions. January 14, 1969, he devoted his television program to sharing his recollection of a lesson taught by Mr. Lasswell from his schooldays as a boy in Indiana. Mr. Lasswell had observed that his students were parroting words without understanding the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Red Skelton shared Mr. Lasswell’s lesson, as I do here. I do not have permission to quote Mr. Skelton. I provide my own definitions, highlighting the profound impact of these words on our individual and national identity.
I: group of one=me
PLEDGE: promise
ALLEGIANCE: loyalty—give my all
TO THE FLAG: Old Glory/the Red, White and Blue=OUR symbol
UNITED: all persons coming together as one body, accepting a common bond and shared goals
STATES: communities separated by invisible political boundaries but living as one with shared identity and purpose
AND TO THE REPUBLIC: our political entity chosen by the people to represent us all, based upon the US Constitution to govern—a government “of the people, by the people and for the people”
FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION: distinct political divisions joining together as part of the same country
INDIVISIBLE: cannot be divided or separated=often called “The Melting Pot;” a collection of persons with different external attributes but joined together by a shared passion for a “better life for all”
WITH LIBERTY: the right to follow one’s own views and values without retribution (or fear of retribution) while allowing the same rights to all other citizens
AND JUSTICE: ethical fairness and impartiality without discrimination
FOR ALL: everyone
Since 1969, two more states have joined the union, and two more words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance. “Under God” concretize the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence-- “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”--our foundation, our fabric, and our future.
Parents, Grandparents, Neighbors, Teachers, caring adults and curious kids, please watch Red Skelton’s interpretation and explanation, sharing it with the youth of your family, school, and/or community and re-ignite the pride of being a part of this great nation.
This is the opinion of Times Writers Group member Phyllis E. VanBuren, a lifelong learner and enthusiastic educator, who values family, friends, faith, honesty, liberty and integrity. Her column is published the fourth Sunday of the month.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: American's should have more respect for the flag, Pledge of Allegiance
