Old Glory

June 28,2002 - Federal Judge Alfred Goodwin ruled last week that the words "under God", as recited in the Pledge to the American Flag, were unconstitutional because they violated the separation of church and state required by the First Amendment. In a display of bipartisanship not witnessed since the days immediately following Sept. 11, politicians from both parties called the decision "ridiculous," "unbelievable," "nuts." The Senate quickly passed a 99-0 bill endorsing the unexpurgated pledge. The House condemned the decision by a 416-3 vote. Perhaps deciding that retreat is the better part of valor, Goodwin stayed his decision even before an appeal was filed. The case is virtually certain to be heard by an 11-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit and virtually certain to be overturned either then or later by the Supreme Court. (From: Sean Scully - New York Times)

In light of the aforementioned event, I reserve the right to continue to honor the flag of my country in any way that I choose. And I choose to remain faithful to 'one nation under God'. If you are offended by these 2 words, then you have the same right to not repeat them. My conviction for continuing to use the phrase comes from my opinion that those men and women who gave their lives fighting for the very causes signified by 'old glory' died to give me the right and the freedom to do so.

Remembering Your Colors
by: Dave Tracewell

Remember Me? Yeah, that's right, red & white stripes, fifty stars on a blue field in the upper left corner, I am your Flag, but I've also been known by "Old Glory", the "Stars and Stripes", and the "Star Spangled Banner". Whatever you call me, I am the flag of the United States of America.

I remember years ago that people used to honor me, fly me with pride outside their homes and at work, and children in school would Pledge their Allegiance to me every day. They would carry me in parades and people would watch and salute me with pride as I passed by, proudly waving in the wind.

When men and woman saw me coming, the men removed their hats and placed it over their hearts and the women placed their right hands over theirs. And their children were taught respect for the flag, and what to do as well. Now I'm lucky if they even recognize me, or even notice at all. Now, the young boys and girls make fun of those who carry me, and call them names. They haven't learned, or don't remember about the thousands of men and women who gave up their lives for me. People who knew the the meaning of Freedom, Liberty, Justice, and Peace.

Why has this happened? I'm still your American Flag. I haven't really changed that much... just added a few stars over the years, been a whole lot more places, and though it all, stood strong by you. Why don't people respect me the same way they used to? A lot of blood has been shed since those parades of long ago. A lot more men and women have died defending me. When you honor me, you honor those men and women who gave up every- thing for your freedom. When I am flown, I see people not notice. When I am in a parade, I see people just stand there, with their hands in their pockets. I may get a small glance, but then you look away. Next time, please notice and respect me. Next time stand and be proud to be an American Citizen!

I see the young children of today running around and not being taught how to act when I'm around. Don't the parents of today care? Don't they know how to act? I saw one man start to take off his hat and looked around and saw no one else doing it, so just put it back on. I saw some kids calling the Boy Scouts who were carrying me names and making fun of them. I saw many just sit there as I passed by, talking with one another like I didn't even exist. Is it now wrong to be patriotic? Have today's Americans forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?

If you don't care, who will? If you don't teach our children what I stand for, and how to act around me, who will? If our children don't learn how to respect our flag, what it means to defend our country, and how important Freedom, Liberty, and Patriotic Duty is, what future does our mighty country have? So, when you see me, stand straight, think about what I stand for, think about all of the Americans that have died for our country, and place your right-hand over your heart or salute to honor me. I'll be saluting you back by waving strong and proud in the wind. And I'll know that you remembered me. And I'll know that you remembered.

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.

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 is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

United - - That means that we have all come together.

States - - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic - - Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation - - One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible - - Incapable of being divided.

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 qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - - For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite 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, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?

~Red Skelton