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In 1992, the nation began its second century with the Pledge of Allegiance. This also marks the time, one hundred years ago, when the American Flag became a familiar site in the school classroom, and in front of public school buildings.
In 1892, Francis Bellamy (a Baptist Minister, political activist, and first cousin of American novelist Edward Bellamy) created the Pledge of Allegiance for Youth's Companion, a national family magazine for youth published in Boston. The magazine had a national circulation of approximately 500,000, the largest of its day.
One of the magazine's owners, James Upham, had the idea of using the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' (re)discovery of America to promote the use of the American Flag in public schools. Bellamy was hired to help with public relations.
By February 1892, Bellamy and Upham had lined up the National Education Association to support the Youth's Companion in sponsoring the nation's public school observance of Columbus Day. At that time the magazine had been instrumental in the sale of American Flags to about 26,000 schools.
On June 29, Bellamy and Upham arranged for Congress and President Benjamin Harrison to announce a national proclamation, making the public school flag ceremony the center of the national Columbus Day celebrations for 1892. Bellamy, under the supervision of Upham, wrote the program for this celebration, including its flag salute, the Pledge of Allegiance. His original version was:
I Pledge Allegiance to My Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.
The program and its pledge appeared in the September 8 issue of Youth's Companion.
In 1923, the first change in the pledge was made. It was from "My Flag" to "The Flag of the United States". Then in 1924, one year later, the second change was added to the first: "Of America".
This change was made so that children of newly-arrived immigrants could be certain that the flag they were saluting stood for their new "homeland".
The pledge stood this way until 1954, when "Under God" was added by Congress and President Eisenhower, at the urging of the Knights of Columbus.
Over the last century, the Pledge of Allegiance has become a major centerpiece in American patriotism programs. Each class day, over 60 million teachers and students in the United States recite the Pledge, along with thousands of Americans at official meetings of organizations such as the Elks, Masons, American Legion; and of course Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
[So with this look at our pledge of allegiance, may we all stand and give the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.]
| I PLEDGE |
Pledge, according to Webster means - a solemn promise
The legal dictionary says it means - personal property given as security The Bible says - holding before Crossword dictionary says: vow, commit, promise, guarantee |
| ALLEGIANCE | Loyalty - an oath of homage |
| FLAG | An ensign or colors, a standard, banner, mark of distinction, rank or nationality, national standard. |
|
UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA |
According to Webster - Federal union of 50 states.
Legal - collective name of the states united by and under the constitution. |
| REPUBLIC | Commonwealth, or the state. |
| Now we come to the part that is so often recited incorrectly: | |
|
ONE NATION
UNDER GOD |
It is a complete part of the sentence and lies between two commas, so, it is said in one breath, not as two parts. |
| INDIVISIBLE | undivided - without division |
| LIBERTY | privilege - freedom - rights |
| JUSTICE | law - fairness. Judge - being just. - merited reward. |
| FOR ALL | All people, black, white, yellow, green, fat, slim, rich, poor, educated, or illiterate. |
Using these definitions our pledge could then be:
I make this solemn promise of my loyalty to the national standard of these states united by and under the Constitution, and the Commonwealth for which it stands, one nation under a supreme being, undivided, with rights, and law and order for the entire population.
I am a symbol of your country, of the principles for which you stand. Men and women have defended me with their blood and their lives because I stand for all that is good in your country. I have become the emblem of your unity, your power, your thoughts and purpose as a nation. I have become a symbol of a growing, changing nation. I am the banner of glory from the past, and like your country, I have a great future. I have no other character than that which you give me from generation to generation. The choice is yours.
I have flown in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or war. And even through silence I have spoken to you--- voices from the past of those men and women who went before you, and from those records they've written about me. Those same records describe the character of those who eternalized my colors. My blue field is a symbol of their faith and glory. My red stripes denote their sacrifice and bravery - even the loss of their life-giving blood. My white denotes their purity of heart and mind.
But tonight, my colors reflect my years - for I am faded, tattered and worn. Rather than reflect misunderstanding upon those characteristics and colors for which I have flown, I must be retired so that fresh colors might be raised. The only proper retirement of my emblems is to return to the earth through fire, for fire symbollically denotes the presence of God.
For more than ten score years I have been the banner of hope and continue to be an enduring banner of the United States of America. Freedom for generations after generation of Americans. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. You have looked on me as a symbol on national unity. You have prayed that you and your fellow citizens might continue to enjoy life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. So long as you love liberty more than life itself, so long as truth, justice and charity for all remain rooted deeply in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America.
But tonight, I bid you adieu.
Alternative (longer) Version:
I am old glory; for more the 9 score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for generation after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of America's fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown from a little group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign states. Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith, my gently fluttering folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions. Men have followed me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me as a symbol of national unity. They have prayed that they and their fellow citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which have been granted to every American as the heritage of free men. So long as men love liberty more than life itself, so long as they treasure the priceless priveleges bought with the blood of our forefathers; so long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all remain deeply rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America.
Remember as you look at your Flag, which is the symbol of our nation, that it is red because of human sacrifice. It is blue because of the true blue loyalty of its defenders. It is white to symbolize liberty - our land of the free. The stars are symbols of the united efforts and hope in the hearts of many people striving for a greater nobler America.
[At the beginning of the ceremoney the speaker should say who the flag grommets will be given to. They are a form of good luck and can be carried or worn by the person who receives one.]
[Lower the colors or unfold the flag.]
Our flag has been used so much, that it is no longer a fitting emblem to display, so we are respectfully burning it.
FIRST STRIPE: The 13 stripes stand for the original 31 colonies which are; Massachesetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Deleware,Mayland, North Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey.
SECOND STRIPE: The white stands for purity
THIRD STRIPE: The red stands for courage
FOURTH STRIPE: "Give me liberty or give me death"
FIFTH STRIPE: "One if by land, two if the sea"
SIXTH STRIPE: We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide fir the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.
SEVENTH STRIPE: We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
EIGHTH STRIPE; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof
NINTH STRIPE; Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or press.
TENTH STRIPE; "Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth to this continent a new nation."
ELEVENTH STRIPE; The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
TWELFTH STRIPE; "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
THIRTEENTH STRIPE; "One small step for man, one giant leap for manking."
Each state is being represented by a star on a field of blue, which signifies a new constellation being formed.
"As we place it in the fire, let it burn brightly and remind us how truly our flag represents our country."
[Nothing should ever be added to the ceremonial fire after the Flag has been burned (out of respect).]
[The next morning the girls that actually burned the flag and their leader will gather the ashes to be burned.]
[This could be included as the last step in the ceremony if they wanted all of those in attendance to participate.]
[If the ashes are entirely out, they can be carried to the burial site in a box, if the ashes are still hot, a bucket could be used, then place by shovels-full into the hole.]
A hole is dug, the dirt placed carefully beside it and the ashes are placed into the hole by handfuls. Fill the hole back up with dirt, a marker can be placed.]
You cannot teach proper citizenship without proper respect for our U.S.Flag and our American heritage. Unless you give it some thought, the Pledge of Allegiance can become boring, disrespectful, and slovenly to American citizens. As examples of what you can do to make the flag salute more meaningful, consider using the following flag salute introductions:
Ingredients:
Set up: Girl Scouts form semi-circle around pot. American flag is folded and hidden in pot. Each girl is holding the ingredients that she adds.
[In the center of the stage is a large basket with folded flag hidden inside.] Narrator:
Will you please rise for the presentation of the colors.
[Girls come single file. First comes the girls carrying components of the flag, holding them high and reverently. Followed by the Girl Scout Flag. Girls come on stage and stand across the stage behind the basket.]
Red for Valor --- For the courage of all people who, with a dream in their hearts, crossed the oceans to begin life anew in a free land.
For the bravery of people who, with hope and faith, crossed the prairie and mountains of our vast land.
For the steadfastness of those people who, through all adversities, shouldered the Country's burdens to emerge as stronger individuals.
[Red streamers are placed in the basket]
White for Purity --- For the integrity of all people whose fortitude wove the strands of diverse cultures into an integral national heritage.
For the piety of all people whose faith formed the foundation upon which our country was built and continues to grow.
[White streamers are placed in basket]
Blue for Justice --- For the foresight of all those people who created an atmosphere in which each of their children could develop to their fullest potential.
For the perseverance of all those people who contributed their talents to further the development of our Country.
[Large Blue paper or Blue piece of cloth is placed in the basket]
Stars for Dreams --- For the dreams of the future. That the generations of tomorrow may fulfill the promise of the past.
That the visions of our forbearers will be revitalized and the future will hold forth hope and promise for all generations to come
[Stars are placed in basket ---pick up flag pole and stir]
Stirring the stories of my stars and stripes, I symbolize the soul of America, typifying her ideas and aspirations, her institutions and traditions.
[Remove the folded flag]
This flag, which we honor and under which we serve is the symbol of our unity, our power, and purpose as a nation.
[Two or more girls unfold the flag and mount on the flag pole---then stand at attention]
Please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegence ...
From the Red Skelton Hour, January 14, 1969:
I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time. He had such wisdom. We were all recititing the Pledge of Allegiance, and he walked over. Mr. Lasswell was his name... He said:
"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems to me as though it is becoming monotonus to you. If I may, may I recited 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 devotion
TO THE FLAG--- Our Standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect becuase 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--- Indvidual communites that have united into 50 great states, communities with pride and dignity and purpose, all divided with imaginary boundries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country
OF AMERICA, 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 UNDER GOD--- Meaning so blessed by God
INDIVISIBLE--- Incapable of being divided
WITH LIBERTY--- Which is freedom and the right to live one's own life without threats or fear of some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE--- The principal or quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL--- Which mans "It's as much your country as it is mine"
[To be read with the Flag presented - preferably with lights dimmed and the Flag spotlighted.]
Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you ... because it is about you ... and me.
I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade, and naturally I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When your Daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder, so that his hand was directly over his heart. ... Remember?
And you, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You
didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute.
Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as
you, with her hand over her heart. ... Remember?
What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have a few more stars
now and a lot more blood has been shed since those days long ago. But
now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down the street you
just stand there with your hands in your pockets, and I may get a small
glance, but then you look away.
Then I see children running around and shouting; they don't seem to
know who I am. ... I saw one man take off his hat, then he looked
around and saw no one else with their hat off, so he quickly put his
hat back on.
Is it a sin to be patriotic now? Have you forgotten what I stand for?
... And where I've been? ... Anzio ... Quadalcanal ... Iwo Jima ...
Korea ... Vietnam ... and the Persian Gulf.
Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Note the names of
those who never came back; they died to keep this republic free. ...
One nation, under God.
When you salute me, ... you are actually saluting them.
Well, it won't be long now until I'll be coming down your street again. ... So when you see me, stand straight, place your right hand over your heart, and I'll salute you by waving back. ... and I'll know ...
"Welcome to our Investiture and Rededication ceremony. Today we are here to show our belief in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and to recognize the achievements of our girls.
"This candle that I light shall shine forth as a symbol that a Girl Scout is true to G-d and her Country.
"The second candle shall shine forth as a symbol that a Girl Scout's greatest desire is to serve.
"The third candle shall shine forth as a symbol that a Girl Scout will try her best to live up to the Girl Scout Law.
Flowers have always played an important part in human life. From the earliest times they have been given as signs of love and respect and have been used in ceremonies of all types. The flowers in this ceremony represent the ten parts of the Girl Scout Law. Girls, please join me in reciting the Girl Scout Promise.
I will do my best to be:
honest and fair,
This part of the law is represented by the white chrysanthemum. It
shows truth, honor, trustworthiness, equality and fairness
friendly and helpful,
The zinnia represents thoughtfulness about friends, while Baby's Breath
represents generosity.
considerate and caring,
Together, a red and a white Rose stand for a warm and caring heart.
courageous and strong,
The garlic plant, grows anywhere and has a strong flavor. It represents
courage and strength of character and body. The Indian paintbrush shows
cheerfulness even in difficulty.
and responsible for what I say and do,
The gladiola symbolizes strength of character, maturity, and
responsibility. Binding it with straw, we show that we honor our word
and keep our agreements.
and to
respect myself and others,
The white Rose and white zinnia show that we hold ourselves worthy and
good. Winter Greens symbolize the harmony we try to keep between
ourselves and others.
respect authority,
The daffodil represents careful thought, attention, and concern. With
the daffodil, we are saying that we hold others in high regard.
use resources wisely,
The foxglove shows thriftiness.
make the world a better place,
The cattail represents the peace we are trying to bring to the world
when we help others. The Caladium shows the great joy and delight we
take in the world around us.
and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
With the striped carnation, we are saying that we think about those
Girl Scouts and Guides who are not here with us. It helps indicate our
love for our fellow Scouts and Guides.
Alternative flowers and their meanings:
honest and fair,
-this part of the law is represented by the white chrysanthemum,
showing truth, and honor, and the ivy which represents a faithfulness
to duties and keeping promises, and being reasonable in dealing with
others. The color green is for new growth and being open to new ideas.
friendly and helpful,
-the daisy shows warmth and concern for friends.
-the Indian paintbrush shows cheerfulness even in difficulty.
considerate and caring,
-the carnation shows caring for others.
-the baby's breath shows generosity and thoughtfulness toward others.
courageous and strong, and*
-the climbing wild rose stands for perseverance and exploring
possibilities. Where it is firmly established it continues to grow and
adapt even to extreme conditions. Its thorns protect it fiercely while
its blossoms show that strength can also be beautiful. responsible for
what I say and do,
-Our words and actions can be like the lily of the valley with each
flower representing all the things we say and do. Each word and action
says something of our character, and paints a picture of who we are. We
must take care with all our words and deeds so that we can be the
beautiful people that we wish to be. and to
respect myself and others,
-the churchbell symbolizes moderation and represents thoughtfulness and
kindness toward each other and ourselves. respect authority,
-the forget-me-not shows careful thinking, attention, and faith in
common values. use resources wisely,
-the foxglove shows thriftiness. make the world a better place, and*
-the sunflower shows a love of nature. It also can represent our place
in the world. It's habit of turning toward the sun reminds us to "look
on the bright side" and realize that our own attitudes go a long way
toward making the world a better place for ourselves and the people
near us. With a sunny disposition, we will find ways to make the world
a better place almost without effort, because it will be a joy. be a
sister to every Girl Scout
-the rose shows love for our sisters in Scouting and Guiding. Roses
come in all colors and varieties of fragrances, and though they are all
different, they are all beautiful, just like our sisters in Scouting
and Guiding.
The sachet represents our rededication to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Its sweet fragrance will remind us of our commitment to the principals of Girl Scouts.
Other flowers and their possible meanings... Amaryllis-pride
Anemone-forsaken Apple blossom-temptation Aster-love Bachelor's
button-celibacy Begonia-warning Bluebell-loyalty Camellia -loveliness
Carnation- red- aching heart; white-innocence; yellow-disdain;
striped-refusal Chrysanthemum red-love; white-truth; yellow-slighted
love. Clematis-intellect Columbine-folly Cornflower-delicacy
Crocus-good c heer
Cyclamen-departure Daffodil-chivalry Daisy-innocence Dandelion-faith ful
Forget me not-true love Forsythia-anticipation Foxglove-insincerity Gar
denia-secret
love Gentian-injustice Geranium Dark-melancholy; Pink- preference; Red-
comforting
Gladiolus-recovery Gloxinia-sudden love Hibiscus- grace Holly-protec
tion
Hollyhock-ambition Honeysuckle-sweetness Hyacinth-sorrow Hydrangea-m y
thanks
Iris-messenger Ivy-fidelity Jasmine Yellow-elegance; White-amiable
Lavender-distrust
Lilac Purple-love begins; white-innocence Lily-purity Lily of the
valley -return of happiness
Lotus-admiration Magnolia-dignity Marigold-grief Mistletoe-kiss me
Narcissus-egotism Nasturtium-patriotism Orange blossom-innocence
Orchid-beautiful lady Palm-triumph Pansy-remembrance Peony-bashfulnes s
Petunia-anger Phlox-agreement Pine-hope Pineapple-welcome Poppy
Scarlet-extravagance; White-sleep Primrose-youth Rose Red-love;
White-innocence; Yellow-infidelity; Musk-capricious; Single-simpl icity
Snapdragon-indifference Snowdrop-renewal Sunflower-haughtiness Sweet
william-forever a gentleman Tulip Red-declaration of love; Variegated-
b eautiful eyes; Yellow- hopeless love
Violet-modesty Wallflower-faithful Water lily-pure heart Weeping
willow- d eep mourning
Wisteria -friendship Zinnia-thinking of you
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