What Does the Pledge Mean?
Many times we go through the motions and memorize and repeat items without having a knowledge of what we just said. My memory is a little foggy now, but I remember standing in Elementary School and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with my fellow classmates. Later, I remember standing in a Den Meeting and saluting the small miniature American Flag while doing the Cub Scout Salute. The next time you recite the Pledge of Allegiance, think a little on what you are saying and promising... Here are my thoughts on each line item.
- I pledge allegiance (I promise to be faithful and true)
- to the Flag (the symbol of our country)
- of the United States of America (50 states, each individual)
- and to the Republic (A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president)
- for which it stands (The flag also represents the government, which you also pledge your allegiance to)
- one Nation under God (These states are united under the divine providence of God..."God is our most powerful resource", President Eisenhower)
- indivisible (cannot be separated)
- with liberty and justice (freedoms and treated justly, fairly, and according to proper law)
- for all. (To EVERY American, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or any other criteria.)