OP-ED:   FAITHFUL PLEDGING LOVE OF COUNTRY

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I recently read articles on the topic of The Pledge of Allegiance; and whether or not it is obligatory or merely a choice somebody can choose to ignore.  I, myself, feel it is an honor and a privilege to recite the words.

Far too often, modern detractors admit that they were sheltered children without much of an anchor to overall American Society. Sadly, younger people often “protest” without having the slightest clue as to what they are protesting about.

I want to say at the onset of this opinion-letter, that my thoughts below are not directed towards any single individual, but rather an observation of “customs and traditions” which are only partially adhered-to today.

Few people realize that the Pledge of Allegiance was composed by Francis Bellamy in 1892 (with later minor revisions, including the addition of the words “Under God” in 1954 at the suggestion of the fraternal order, the Knights of Columbus). Mr. Bellamy was also a fraternal-man: He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge.  I happen to be a rarity: I am a member of BOTH of these fraternal groups which have always placed a high-premium on Ritualistic renditions and solemn promises and vows.

The Pledge of Allegiance  with hand over heart is similar to an elected-official raising  their right hand to ‘prove’ that the palm of their hand had not been ‘branded’ as a ‘mark’ of past heresies or telling lies.

Furthermore, most ancient (and some modern) Oaths-of-Office were and still are cemented or anchored by a holy book or something held dear or sacred to ‘bind’ the person who promises to show some sort of tangible collateral to verify that person’s honesty, integrity, sincerity and commitment to faithfully discharging what they pledge to do. A good example is the Presidential Oath-of-Office in which the person who is to be sworn-in places their right hand on the Holy Bible (or another Holy Writ) and recites their solemn vows which conclude with the phrase: “So help me, God”. That aspect may sound small, but it is significant for anyone with a twinge of conscience to “Do their best” AND it gives witnesses and spectators something that seemingly assures that the person taking that Oath really intends it to be binding on them. Generally even ‘critics’ whether they are married or not; admit that most couples who pledge the vows of Holy-Matrimony regard it as special sacred words to live-by.

I wish our Nation could get back to the basics and do “the fullest performance” of an Oath-of-Office. It is no automatic guarantee that someone will always be true and faithful. However, anyone with a soul will be more sober when reciting such solemn words, if they know they will be shamed and foreword as a liar if they break their word. In a comparable way: I value The Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge isn’t merely a choice; people who wish to live in the United States have a duty to assimilate. Living and abiding by the traditions, laws, rules, and customs fosters HARMONY. That, is the “UNITY” our beloved Nation desperately needs. Even President Theodore Roosevelt believed in ONE official language: English.  The right to calmly speak opinions of dissent is one thing.  But, nobody should be a rabble-rouser in defying things they don’t understand. That, would be as foolhardy as defying speed-limits or evading tax-laws. That simply isn’t cool.  Be a good citizen and let harmony prevail by honoring the Pledge. Be thankful to be an American. Any nation has faults, but nobody should fail to show simple respect.