The significance behind the words used in the Pledge of Allegiance became the subject of this particular monolog. The host of the show remembers a day when he was a little lad in school and one of his teachers delivered a grim lesson he would never forget.Red remembers how his teacher expressed dismay at the constant recitation of the pledge. The kids should really know what they were saying, he insisted. Since he can still remember that speech exactly now, many years later, it is obvious that his teacher had a strong impact on him.
The lecture was interesting in that the teacher defined every word exactly, in a somewhat literal way. This covered basic definitions, including clarifying that a state was a collection of towns linked in intent but split by imaginary lines. Red’s teacher then continued to go on to discuss more difficult ideas, such the flag serving as a symbol of freedom wherever it boldly stood.
Red’s teacher invited the class to perform the vow once more following definitions of these important concepts. One can only image how their fresh awareness would have impacted their attitude toward the vow.
Any patriot would find his speech to be stirring. Red’s point of view is rather clear. Understanding is power. Our kids have to be taught more than just reciting. They must grasp how some things are inviolably holy and what shapes things as they are. That is the only way we can generate free-thinking adults with individual thoughts.nDnXcw6euIE is the YouTube video link.
About The Author
