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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's respect because your loyalty has given
her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
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 quality of dealing fairly with others. For all -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much you country as it is mine.
Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that it is
a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?
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