Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you, because it has to do with you and me.

I remember the day when people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade - like always, I was leading the parade, proudly waving in the breeze.

When I passed by your daddy, he immediately revoved his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so the hand was directly over his heart.

Do you remember?

Over the years I've walked down a lot of city streets and I don't see this any longer. What happened? I'm still the same old flag. I've earned a few more stars since you were a child. I've seen a lot more battles since those parades of 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 when I pass by and then you look the other way.

Then I see your children running around and shouting - they don't seem to know who I am. I passed by this one man and he actually took his hat off. When he didn't see anybody else with theirs off, he quickly put it back on. Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore?

Have you forgotten what I stand for, where I've been and the men that have fought for the stars that I carry on my back?

Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls, read the names of those who never came back, those who fought to keep this republic free.

When you salute me, you are actually saluting them. The day will come when I will be coming down your street again. So when you see me, stand straight, place your right hand over you heart, be proud, and I will salute you by waving back.

I'll know that . . . YOU REMEMBERED

Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue; I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace;

Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctitiy of space; Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Written by  John Gillespie Magee Jr. (1922-1941)

Red Skelton's Commentary:
'The Pledge of Allegiance'

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 is 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 forty-eight 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 is 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 - - 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 qualities, 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?