Law Offices of
Ken Koenen
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The Pledge of AllegianceMy interpretation of the Pledge of AllegianceSeptember 20, 2001 -- About 4 years ago, I heard speaker Jim Rohn talk about something that he had written, in which he dissected the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the American Flag, and gave his interpretation of the meaning. Since I was unable to find the document that he had written, I decided to write my own about 3 years ago. I would like to share it with you here. Each
week I attend a meeting, at which we begin by standing, facing the American flag
with our hand over our hearts, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
We all probably learned this recitation when we were kids in elementary
school. I sometimes wonder if we
just say the words, or do we think about their meaning. The
Pledge of Allegiance is a unique document.
It begins with the word “I” and ends with “all.”
I thought I would take a few minutes and go over each word in the Pledge
for its true meaning. The word
“I” does not mean all of us as a group or everyone except me.
It means me and it means each one of you. “Pledge
allegiance” is a solemn promise of loyalty by the citizens of a country for
their government. Not every
individual within the government, or all aspects of the wheels of government,
but to our form of government. “To
the flag of the United States of America.”
The allegiance is not to a piece of cloth, but to its symbolism.
It represents our country. The
country that gives each of us the opportunity of becoming all that we wish to
become. A country of vast size, beauty and diversity that is
unparalleled in the world. “And
to the Republic for which it stands.” A
Republic … a style of government in which the supreme power rests with the
body of citizens entitled to vote, whose power is exercised by their chosen
representatives. Where
representatives, for whom we did not vote, can still represent everyone without
the fear of anarchy. A type of
government that may not be perfect, but has successfully guided our country to
greatness over the past 200+ years. “One
nation”, a mix of different states, regions, races and religion that are
designated with one label: Americans. A
country that can have diverse differences of opinion and argue among ourselves.
But a country that will join together when threatened by natural calamity
or hostile outside forces. “Under
God.” While the Constitution
recognizes the separation of church and state, we also recognize the right to
believe in a Supreme Being. Every
religion has its own definition of its God.
Whatever that image is, we are all free to believe without fear from our
government. “Indivisible.”
We cannot be divided into separate parts.
That was proven during the Civil War, one of the most trying of times for
our country. Oh, we can have differences of opinion on how things could or
should be done. When push comes to
shove, however, we will stand together for what our country stands for. “With
Liberty.” Freedom.
Freedom to choose what we will do with our lives.
Freedom to live wherever we wish to live and to work hard to become
whatever we want to become. The
freedom to get on a plane and go 3000 miles across the country without ever
being required to show a government official documentation of where we are from
and where we are going. Freedom to
own property, to save and invest money, to speak out against our leaders or to
believe in or refuse to practice a religion. “And
Justice” Equality and fairness. Being
rewarded for working hard. Being
punished when doing wrong. It’s
not perfect, but the system works well when faced with the imperfections of
mankind. I dread the thought of the
alternative. “For
all.” These qualities and
pitfalls are for everyone, whether black, white, brown or yellow. We are all part of this society called America.
We are all entitled to the rewards if we do well and must suffer the
pains of regret if we just let things slide. Have
you ever noticed that no one tries to get smuggled across the border to get into
Mexico? I have never seen anyone
trying to build a raft at the beach, hoping to make it to Cambodia!
No, everyone wants to come to America.
Why? Because, we have everything we need here.
All the books we need, all the classes we need, all the lectures we need,
all the churches we need, all the schools we need, all the sermons we need, all
the opportunity we need … we have everything here. As I said in the beginning, the Pledge of Allegiance is a unique document because it begins with “I” and ends with “all.” Each of you and I are individually responsible for working toward the betterment of all. So the next time you say “The Pledge of Allegiance,” listen to the words and keep their meaning in mind. Be happy and proud to know you live in the greatest country in the world. - Ken Koenen
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Send mail to ken@lawken.comLaw Office of Ken Koenen
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