“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.”
As I sit here on the Eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I am reflecting on the many issues brought up in the press over the past few days and weeks over what should and shouldn’t be allowed in the memorializing of the brave men and women involved in the most horrific moment in recent history.
As a general rule, I try to keep my opinions on politics and religion to myself but I found myself increasingly breaking my own rule as I heard one thing after another regarding how to “properly and politically ” celebrate.
I think part of my outrage started before the 9/11 issues were coming more into focus. When NBC blatantly edited out “under God” from the school children recitation of it during the US Golf Open. I am sorry, but it is part of the pledge adopted by congress in 1954 in reaction to communism. In fact the pledge has been altered 4 times. This IS the pledge we have. The pledge we say, and should say as currently written.
When I was growing up, this was aa standard part of my school day up until 9th grade. Every morning, the day started out with the entire school standing and saying the Pledge. I was taught this is to show respect , honor those who found and died for that flag. Somewhere along the way I think we have forgotten that.
We have also forgotten that this country was founded on religious freedom. Prayer taken out of school. Prayers taken away from commencements, sporting events and now it is rumored that there will be no prayer offered at the 9/11 Memorial, lest we offend someone.
We have become a nation too consumed with doing what is politically correct. Who decided what that is? We are so worried that we may offend someone, that we have ended up hurting ourselves. Our children have no moral compass, they don’t understand truly what not only the significance of 9/11, but the Pledge of Allegiance and the omission of prayer.
Yes, there are many faiths out there, and I respect that. I have attended many function and prayed with them even though it is not my “branch” of religion. What matters is that we are mourning together to our God for peace to those we have lost, those who continue to suffer, and those who serve and protect without hesitation.
Perhaps taking these two pieces of our country’s foundation and ignoring them, has brought us to where we are. Think about it–there was a time when Sundays were meant for family and faith, not sales at the mall. Where we all stood in classes, or even at VFW’s, K of C ect and say the Pledge with pride.
We salute the flag with our National Anthem at every sporting event from pee-wee to professional. So why would we ignore the words written so long ago as an oath of loyalty to this great country?
As for me, I will be saying the Pledge of Allegiance as it is currently written, and saying my prayers tomorrow as part of my 9/11 honor. I will write letters of support to the troops still overseas of thanks. And as I always do, when I see an active or retired member of service or members of the fire dept, police, emt ect I will thank them for their selfish service.
