Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance
January 14,1969
I have to say the first time watching this made me cry.
Pay close attention to his last line because what he said years ago is now happening and it is very sad.
Red Skelton July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997
As a kid I grow up watching the Red Skelton Show back in the fifties and sixties. For those who don’t know he was the funniest clown of all time.
Each show concluded with his trademark line: “Good night, and God bless.”
As a schoolboy in Vincennes, Indiana, 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
Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance
May Grace Be With Each of You!
Lord Jesus Saves †
State Requirements on Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
One Nation, Under God
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Tags: flag, God, Old Glory, Pledge Allegiance, Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, Red Skelton, schools, Skelton, United States, United States of America
Lord Jesus Saves︵‿ † 