The pledge was created by a social minister named Francis Bellamy. The thirty-one words of the pledge affirm the values and freedom that the American flag represents are recited while facing the flag with a hand over the heart as a pledge of Americans’ loyalty.
Maybe it is because of the problems we see in our country or maybe as we grow older, we are more aware, but we have noticed that, in the news, fewer and fewer stand to say the pledge. It seems that many have forgotten the true value of the American flag. Though we may be able to recite that the stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union, do we understand what the flag truly means?
- I pledge allegiance -- "I have made a promise to serve my country-- OUR country, to protect its people, and to give my life, if need be." ~ Brianna McCollums (Mohawk), VA junior & enlisted Marine
- to the flag -- "The colors of the flag are symbolic: red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice; together, they all represent what is great about our nation." ~ Devin Dittmer (Laurel), AT junior
- of the United States of America, -- "This is the greatest country in the world -- to be able to experience these freedoms, simply because I was lucky enough to be born here." ~ Jaden Locke (Ellwood City), COT junior
- and to the republic -- "It is wonderful that we live in a country whose leaders are elected and not simply born into leadership. It is because of this that we do not live by what 'THEY' desire; our country can truly represent WE the people." ~ Riley Leonard (Wilmington), RT junior
- for which it stands, -- "The flag stands for our country, but 'stands' means so much more in the pledge; in battle, the flag bearer leads the troops into the fray. If that flag bearer falls, it is the duty and honor to lift that 'torch' to light the way to inspire others. Our country is a beacon of light to all other countries." ~ Noah James (New Castle), EO junior
- one nation "Alone we can do little. Together we are mighty." ~ Josephine Beiter (Ellwood City), VA junior
- under God, -- "Our forefathers put their lives at risk by following what they firmly believed were the wishes of a Higher Power. Later, under the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 (Encyclopaedia Britannica), this line was added. This reminds all who believe that there is an entity who is watching over us." ~ Vaughn James (Shenango), EO Junior
- indivisible, -- "Even though it seems that we are a divided country at times, we should only divided in our ideas, not our common goal." Jason Ealy (Ealy), AT junior & enlisted Army Reservist
- with liberty -- "This means that we have freedom, but it isn't free. The men and women who have fought for that freedom deserve the honor and respect because they have given us this LIBERTY." ~ Christian Seinkner (Mohawk), AT junior
- and justice "We should all have the right to freedom. It is what so many have fought for." ~ Bridget Allen (Ellwood City), Cos junior
- for all. ~ "All citizens have the 'right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'. I also believe that it is our duty to protect others who desire these ideals, so they may have a better life." ~ Makailey Shaffer (New Castle), Cos junior
The pledge is a symbol of respect. As Americans, we should be proud to stand, remove our head covering (hats and hoodies, included) hold our right hands over our hearts, and say those beloved words: “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.” We need to be the generation to reverse the apathy and bring back the honor of this well-known American tradition.
It is our duty in this generation to keep this tradition alive and pass it to our children and grandchildren. Please, in honor of our country, continue to say the pledge.
