More Than a Holiday
Memorial Day is much more than a holiday when family and friends get together for picnics, camping, and BBQ's, it's a day to give thanks to those who serve our country, have died protecting our country and our lives. Each year, I am more grateful to the men and women who are willing to give their lives and serve our country; fighting for what they believe in and for our freedoms.
The words, as Americans, we spoke every morning at school may not have been fully understood, but they were important. I cherish the words and I will forever keep these words close to heart and I will never take out "under God," that, I vow.
The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.
"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. Wherevershe waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
of the United
that means that we have all come together.
States of America
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
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 quality of dealing fairly with others.
For all
which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine. 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?
God Bless America!
Listen to Red Skelton's words HERE.
**************
Isn't is a pity that happened?
So, now I ask you to thank a veteran and/or an active duty person for all they sacrificed and let your flags fly high.
The words, as Americans, we spoke every morning at school may not have been fully understood, but they were important. I cherish the words and I will forever keep these words close to heart and I will never take out "under God," that, I vow.
The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.
"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. Wherevershe waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
of the United
that means that we have all come together.
States of America
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
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 quality of dealing fairly with others.
For all
which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine. 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?
God Bless America!
Listen to Red Skelton's words HERE.
**************
Isn't is a pity that happened?
So, now I ask you to thank a veteran and/or an active duty person for all they sacrificed and let your flags fly high.
Karen
15 Comments
Reader Comments (15)
This is a perfect Memorial Day post! I love how he annotated the Pledge out like that.
My husband has just recently retired out of the Air Force, he served for 24 years, and sometimes I have to admit, I really didn't get his dedication. I never knocked it or made fun of it,just didn't get it. But, seeing the pledge written out that way makes me feel pretty patriotic today. I'm going to show him when he wakes up.
Good post.
Ditto, Rayne's comments. This is the perfect Memorial Day post. I'm glad you used Red's work. Have a wonderful weekend.
Been awhile since I have been by, I just wanted to wish you a great Holiday. Huggles, my friend.
Superb post!! Amen and amen!
Where are teachers who inspire students like Mr. Laswell today??
It seems teachers today are afraid of offending someone and getting into trouble or being sued. Kids basically rule the classroom, and there is little respect for authority and little appreciation or knowledge about the sacrifices of so many.
Enjoy your holiday weekend.
Wonderful post---Hope you have a great weekend. Sending you lots of love.
Great post, Karen. I had to read it twice as I didn't want to miss anything.
I hope you are having a great weekend !
*HUGS*
Great post and very wise words from Red Skelton.
Enjoy your long weekend.
Hugs!!
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend. Now more than ever we need to remember.
Echoing the other comments. I've experienced great joy this weekend with Jeremy's graduation and gratitude that my older son was here to see his little brother walk the stage and tomorrow I will be remembering Gary Johnston and Ryan Collins, who both died in Iraq and are from our surrounding communities. Gary gave the ultimate sacrifice a couple of months ago and Ryan's service is on Tuesday.
Wonderful post, Karen.
Amen to every word. This was a fantastic post. Enjoy your holiday weekend!
Teachers do have to be very cautious these days; I know that from experience. If anyone is to blame, it is mostly parents, wimpy administrators and our American culture--which is very permissive toward adolescents according to other countrys' standards. Frankly, I am not that attached to "under God" since it wasn't originally part of the pledge anyway, and makes it very awkward to say. Does one pause or just keep going at "under...?"
Waht a woderful psot!
Thank you!
*^_^
(=':'=) hugs
(")_ (")Š from
the Cool Raggedy one
Carlo and all the others who are past and/or present duty know the meaning of today. It seems that we have to remind those who have never served and it is a shame. Thank you for being the kind, generous spirit you are Karen. I hope your holiday is a safe and happy one. Hugsssssss
You left out "of the". And "of America." I can just tell some commie has brainwashed you.
Red was a Hoosier. Indiana school kids have heard this for years and I think that is a good thing.