This is something I have had on my mind for a few weeks now. You could say it's been sort of percolating, like a pot of coffee, until now. I reckon I'll go ahead and write about it before that coffee pot boils over and ruins the whole thing, not to mention the mess on the kitchen counter.
This is something we all learn as children. We say it at meetings, gatherings, and many other functions. It strikes me that it seems no matter the setting, it always seems to be said the same way. I wonder if it has become so “automatic” that much of the meaning seems to get lost. As I thought about this subject, it dawned on me that it only consists of two sentences.
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.
I would dare to venture a guess that as you read that, you placed the pauses that always seem to be placed. If you would indulge me for a second, go back and read it again, without those pauses. Does it have a different “ring” to it that way?
I have spoken to some people (not many, but a couple) who argued that one should not pledge allegiance to a flag. I think many of those who share that philosophy may be forgetting about the second part of that opening sentence. If one were to think of it as pledging your allegiance to the Republic and to the flag that symbolizes that same Republic, would that change some minds. I know sometimes it helps to look at something from a slightly different angle. There was another instance wherein local elected official would not only refuse to recite the pledge, they would sit down and play on their phone while others recited the pledge. To me, no matter your political leanings, is plain rude and should have no place among elected officials. Thankfully, this person is no longer an elected official.
So, as we have honored all those veterans who have served this country; past, present and future; let's take a second to think about those two simple sentences. I think it's the least we can do to honor those who sacrificed a lot more than just uttering 31 words.