The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related a story about his teacher, Mr. Laswell, and how his students felt about the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Laswell, Red Skelton’s teacher, felt that his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day. Here is the text of that story.

The Pledge of Allegiance “Meaning” As told by Red Skelton

“I’ve been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?”

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’s 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 48 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’s 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.

(then Mr. Skelton went on to say…)

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?

Tuesday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. Every single Veteran is the embodiment of the Pledge of Allegiance. It is because of YOU, the Veteran, that not only can we recite these words, we live them, every day of our lives. This column simply says, “THANK YOU.”

Any thoughts or comments, let me know at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640.

Or better yet…….shake the hands of five Veterans and tell them thanks!! It’ll make their day!!