Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance
In today’s Age of Hollywood here is something which would be unheard of. Imagine the backlash of any A-List actor, let alone any actor at all pulling a stunt like this. This goes to show, there was a time where, while the nation was in the midst of being divide overtly, many overtly believed in the American way. There were a people who lived during a time of war, peace, growth, prosperity, and change. I believe the changes they experienced are far greater and more extreme than the changes we have experienced during our lives.
Richard (Red) Skelton was born into the industry, so to say, being the son of a former circus clown. He was formally introduced to show business at the age of seven in 1921. His acting career was temporarily interrupted when he was drafted into the Army in March of 1944. He was attached to the Army Entertainment Unit in Europe.
During one of his shows, he took the time and performed on monologue about The Pledge of Allegiance. And no, there wasn’t any references to any lady parts. This was a time where public decency meant something.
As many today are arguing with the courts in removing The Pledge of Allegiance from schools and any place else they can, this fight is not new. The Pledge of Allegiance was created in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, who later became a member of the Christian Socialist movement. Who knew?! The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted by Congress in 1942 after many revision. You shouldn't be surprised. The words “Under God” were added in 1952.
One of the main points I want to bring forward is what is being argued has been argued before our times. We are not treading on new battlegrounds. If you look carefully you’ll find the presence of others who have fought on these battlegrounds before us. And if we are not careful or vigilant, we will be the last to fight to defend for a very, very long time.
Transcript:
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, 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, 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?