I Pledge Allegiance

Posted Jul 1, 12:59 AM by Kay Camenisch

Every July 4th we wave flags and celebrate our freedom with picnics, parades, and night skies exploding with fireworks. America is a great nation, a land of freedom and opportunity. However, for those of us who live here, it’s normal to have freedom and opportunity. It is common, an expected right. Consequently, on those days when we’re not shooting off fireworks, it’s easy to take our liberty for granted.

Our pledge of allegiance to this great nation also tends to become commonplace. How many times have we said, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America”? Yet, when was the last time we thought about the words? A pledge is a solemn promise. When we make a promise, it’s good to think about what we’re saying. Let’s listen to the words. It gives insight into what it means to be a citizen of the United States.

I pledge allegiance to the flag: As we pledge allegiance, we promise loyalty and devotion. Our flag is a symbol of the nation. Allegiance to a flag indicates loyalty to the nation that it represents.

Of the United States of America: Loyalty to a nation is not just a warm feeling. It involves paying taxes, voting, obeying laws, and serving in the military. It also implies respect and support of those who represent us—the military, police and fire fighters, as well as the officials who guide our land. If we pledge to support our nation, we will support and show respect for public servants—even if we don’t agree with them.

And to the Republic for which it stands: In a republic, elected officials are answerable to the public. The people are sovereign because they choose who will represent them. The low percentage of citizens who are registered voters (and the lower number that actually vote) are indicators that today many of us do not take that privilege and responsibility seriously. Too many are not keeping their pledge.

One nation: The states are individually separate but are united as one nation, with common purpose and seeking the common good. The pledge of allegiance was first written and recited in schools in 1892—less than forty years after the civil war—so unity was deemed important. It still is. Without it, progress is hampered.

Under God: In 1954, when the nation was threatened with communism, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add “under God” to our pledge. Eisenhower said, “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”

A recent survey indicated that 90% of our citizens still recognize the need for God in our nation and believe that “under God” should remain in our pledge. However some people are fighting to remove any public reference to God from the land—and they have made headway, beginning with the removal of prayer from the schools in 1963.

Indivisible: It was difficult to mold thirteen individual self-governing colonies into a united entity. Later, the issue of slavery threatened to split the hard-won unity of the United States. The issue of unity is important. As we pledge allegiance to our nation, we are declaring that our great country cannot be divided. We are one.

It seems to me that one threat of division today is bipartisan hostility, with politicians fighting for what is best for their particular party rather than for what is best for the nation. I long for statesmen to come forward that seek the common good, for the bickering to stop, and for us to act as if we are indeed one, indivisible.

With liberty: In the United States, we have freedom to pursue individual dreams and ambitions and to express our opinions openly. Even those who strongly oppose the government have freedom to speak their mind. It is for such freedom that we fight. However, if those who stand for good do not speak up, we will have fought in vain.

And justice: Our judicial system provides fair treatment for all, irrespective of race, national origin, political affiliation, religion, income level, or such. If justice is not served, there is opportunity to appeal. Sometimes the system fails because of corruption or greed, but many countries do not have such a system in place. We are blessed to live in a nation that seeks justice for each and every person.

For all: For every citizen—you, me, our families, and our neighbors. We all make up this great nation and each enjoys the benefits. However, if we want to continue to live in a great land and enjoy its liberties, we need to take the pledge seriously. We need to do our part to make it great. If we seek our own personal good, or if we fail to speak for what’s right and to cast our vote, just leaving life to happen, some day we will awaken to discover that we no longer live in a great land. Greatness doesn’t happen without individual responsibility.

When we see the flag and are reminded of our freedom, let’s remember the pledge we’ve made. Let’s keep our promises so we can continue to wave our flag with pride and celebrate with picnics, parades, and fireworks.