Red Skelton - What the Pledge means to ME Minute
Script:
In 1969, Red Skelton gave his personal view of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The statement he made at the end, I think, tells it all.
Red Skelton, one of America's best loved Comedians and star of Motion Pictures, Radio and Television, was also a true Patriot. A man who loved his Country, its Flag and the Freedom America stood for. On January 14, 1969, Red touched the hearts of millions of Americans with his "Pledge Of Allegiance," in which he explained the meaning of each and every word. Red's "Pledge" was twice read into the Congressional Record of the United States and received numerous awards.
Red Skelton - What the Pledge means to ME
This was first broadcast on:
From The Red Skelton Hour, CBS TV, January 14, 1969.
COPYRIGHT 1969 RICHARD RED SKELTON
I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time.
He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance one day, and he walked over.
Mr. Lasswell was his name.
He said, "I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.
If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"
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.
OF THE
UNITED: that means that we have all come together.
STATES: individual communities that have united into 48 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's love for country.
OF AMERICA
AND TO THE REPUBLIC: a state in which sovereign power is vested 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: 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 quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL: which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
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?
The statement he made at the end, I think, tells it all.
Red Skelton, one of America's best loved Comedians and star of Motion Pictures, Radio and Television, was also a true Patriot. A man who loved his Country, its Flag and the Freedom America stood for. On January 14, 1969, Red touched the hearts of millions of Americans with his "Pledge Of Allegiance," in which he explained the meaning of each and every word. Red's "Pledge" was twice read into the Congressional Record of the United States and received numerous awards.
Red Skelton - What the Pledge means to ME
This was first broadcast on:
From The Red Skelton Hour, CBS TV, January 14, 1969.
COPYRIGHT 1969 RICHARD RED SKELTON
I remember this one teacher. To me, he was the greatest teacher, a real sage of my time.
He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance one day, and he walked over.
Mr. Lasswell was his name.
He said, "I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.
If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"
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.
OF THE
UNITED: that means that we have all come together.
STATES: individual communities that have united into 48 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's love for country.
OF AMERICA
AND TO THE REPUBLIC: a state in which sovereign power is vested 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: 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 quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL: which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
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?
Click one to vote:
Comments:
Jun 13, 2013 - BETHANY COPE
And when political correctness came into vogue I decided that I will do all that I can to to keep myself from being a "Stepford Wife", as political correctness will attempt to make us all, and stand for what this country used to stand for: For God and My Country For what My Flag represents
Mar 10, 2015 - Herb Hampson
I was privileged to hear Red explain the Pledge of Allegiance live in Cleveland many years ago. A very moving moment.
Mar 12, 2015 - Howard Raines
I will miss this man forever...... But I will not morn because of his death. I will rejoice because he lived.
Mar 16, 2015 - Steve Lane
Thanks for posting the text of Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance along with a little history of the original broadcast. When he first did this bit, I was 2 weeks away from becoming a Tenderfoot Scout in Huntsville, AL. By June, I was a First Class Scout, so that I could go on our troop's 50 miler on the Appalachian Trail. I made it all the way to Life with all the merit badges for Eagle and only lacking the projects when BSA added 5 more merit badges for Eagle. I was leaving for Europe as an exchange student and never had the heart to complete it after that, but always treasured what I learned.
Nov 27, 2015 - Tony Smyles
Thanks all who have commented on Red's Pledge of Allegiance monologue. I just found my original copy of the disc that was mailed out as a 4th of July promo.
I also remember seeing him perform this on his show back in 1969 and then saw him do it live on stage in Long Beach, CA in the early 80's.
It always moved me. Now, especially thinking of what's happened and is happening in our country, the last 2 lines bring tears to my eyes.
He was and still is my most favorite comedian.
I also remember seeing him perform this on his show back in 1969 and then saw him do it live on stage in Long Beach, CA in the early 80's.
It always moved me. Now, especially thinking of what's happened and is happening in our country, the last 2 lines bring tears to my eyes.
He was and still is my most favorite comedian.
Feb 03, 2016 - H R Smith
I first heard this pledge on the T V from Mr. Skelton. I
think it is even more needed today than it was back then. I
loved to see the Red Skelton program on T V. I thought he
retired much to early in his life. This pledge needs to be
read in Congress again. God Bless America, my home.
Feb 04, 2016 - Bruce Warren Marchetta Th.d
2-3-2016 Today, I posted my thoughts on the Pledge of Allegiance
and suggested that the Children of our Nation listen to and/or
read Red Skelton's explanation of what the pledge ment to him
(personally). When I wars a child in public school we saluted
the American flag and Recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Us kids
did not actually know, understand what it meant, we just
repeated the words we memorized. That is why I wrote today, that
the nations children should listen to Red Skelton's speech of
the Pledge. Do I know 'it' @ 79 yrs old word for word, not sure,
but I do known what it meant and what it means today. Bruce W.
M. Navy (Korean War) Veteran & Volunteer @ the VA & SD CA Naval
Hospitals. God bless OUR America.
Mar 08, 2016 - Robert Getz
In the Early 1980's I was a Army Private E-1, when I hear Mr,
Skeltons rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance. I was moved
then, as I am now remembering these words spoken. I too
believe the children of today need to hear, and understand
what these words meant to all who went to war, and served in
peacetime. God Bless the United States of America.
May 28, 2016 - Phil Jost
Red Skelton was the funniest man that I ever
knew as a boy. I don't believe I understood the
true meaning of Pledge of Allegiance, until I
read this I don't remember learning that part
in School as I was growing up but I'm sure glad
I do understand now!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Jul 11, 2016 - Dan delaney
I was in the Navy and a disabled American
vet .I am 70 years old and still remember
the pledge and inspired me to server my
country .it should never be taken a way
from our schools it is clear message
about our country and freedoms we have
today .read the steps of freedom that our
veteran gave us.it is posted in the main
lobby of the soldiers homes a cross our
country thank God and the dignity of the
American people
Sep 21, 2016 - Northa Kay Lisenby
Wouldn't Mr Skelton be sad to see what is happening in this United States
today
Oct 28, 2016 - Sylvia Price
Just heard this on the radio. This should be posted on every
web site, including Facebook, Twitter etc. Every person in
this beloved United States should read this and pass it on.
What a wonderful way to show what our Flag and the United
States means to all of us. Thank you.
Dec 03, 2016 - Ray Rogers
I remember this well. I was in Viet
Nam with 1 more month before going
home. It's hard to explain today what
it meant back then vs. what it means
today. It does mean the same, but why
is it, it's hard to understand that
politicians don't grasp the statement
"We the People". I miss Red and what
he meant to families all over America.
He will be missed for many years to
come.
Dec 10, 2016 - Blas Castaneda
Two great things to remember and believe in.
Under GOD
My country
Red really said it all.. its like Christmas that we celebrate every years and its meaning and its significant is still the same.
" we are blessed to live in the Great USA and our freedom to believe in GOD and share our brotherhood thru our BOY Scouts Of America.
Under GOD
My country
Red really said it all.. its like Christmas that we celebrate every years and its meaning and its significant is still the same.
" we are blessed to live in the Great USA and our freedom to believe in GOD and share our brotherhood thru our BOY Scouts Of America.
Jan 31, 2017 - Jim Kile
Reds explanation should be taught in our schools. I
don't feel that it's a prayer, it's a pledge. Adding "under
God" just shows our respect and faith in our creator.
Jun 14, 2017 - Bill Kraft
At the time Red Skelton stated this in 1969 there were actually 50 states, Alaska and Hawai were
both granted statehood in 1959. Mr. Skelton stated The United States of America and then went
on to state that 48 states with imaginary borders. What is the reason he did not say 50 states to
make it current to 1969? Did he actually record this prior to the admission of Alaska and Hawai to
the Union but stated it publically on January 14,1969?
Jul 04, 2017 - Dan Tobias
Bill, Red says "48 states" because when his teacher/principal explained this, he was in high school, and at that time there were only 48 states.
I will be honored to read Red's monologue at a local service for this July 4. With current events, it is as relevant today as ever.
I will be honored to read Red's monologue at a local service for this July 4. With current events, it is as relevant today as ever.
Jul 04, 2017 - norm kaufman
I entertained the reidents of sun city texas on July 1, 2017 with red's pledge. I introduced the pledge with the following:
"Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance deals with schoolkids reciting the pledge"
schoolkids: what are somethings they do outside of academics.
Dodgeball has been eliminated from school
Tag has been eliminated from recess
If a kid brought a fountainpen to school the kid would be suspended for bringing a weapon to school and the pen would be eliminated
but I digress.
I now perform the pledge:
I then followed this with his pledge.
At the end of the pledge I included one of Red's closing passages which says everything about the man:
If you remember a silly little thing I've said or done and it brings a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart then my act as a clown has been rewarded.
good night and G-d bless.
norm kaufman
"Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance deals with schoolkids reciting the pledge"
schoolkids: what are somethings they do outside of academics.
Dodgeball has been eliminated from school
Tag has been eliminated from recess
If a kid brought a fountainpen to school the kid would be suspended for bringing a weapon to school and the pen would be eliminated
but I digress.
I now perform the pledge:
I then followed this with his pledge.
At the end of the pledge I included one of Red's closing passages which says everything about the man:
If you remember a silly little thing I've said or done and it brings a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart then my act as a clown has been rewarded.
good night and G-d bless.
norm kaufman
Jul 04, 2017 - Robert Gear Jr DC, NMD
I recited Red's Pledge of Allegiance with his teacher's recitation of each word's meaning on my KMOG Dr's House Call Radio Show today. Lynn Roberts, the national winner of the Bob Hope impersonator contest, who also impersonates Red Skeleton uses Red's Pledge of Allegiance in many of his shows throughout the United States.
Jul 05, 2017 - Robert Harrison
These folks like Red, are what is disappearing in America.
That profound sense of loyalty to our country seems to be
passe! We were a divided nation in 1941 then it took a
national tragedy to bring us back together. When the towers
came down on 9/11, again a tragedy brought us together. Now,
again a deeply divided nation, media screaming to destroy the
elected president, protests, violence, all these actions
could be identified as treason to the USA. So? Isn't it
obvious what the solution will be to re-unite our country?
Such a sad solution!!
Aug 12, 2017 - Angelina Meyers
I read or have the boys read this every year in a pack mtg or in a den mtg when reviewing flag etiquette...Red Skeleton was a true gentleman in all ways...
May 31, 2019 - Sterling Nichols
What values defined Gerald Ford's character? Gerald Ford was the
first and only man to hold the office of president who was never
elected to the office of vice-president or president. Openness
and honesty: Martha Griffiths said: "In all the years I sat in
the House, I never knew Mr. Ford to make a dishonest statement
nor a statement part-true and part-false. He never attempted to
shade a statement, and I never heard him utter an unkind word."
In hindsight, he had respectably discharged with considerable
dignity a great responsibility that he had not sought.
Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, is ranked very highly for preserving the Union in the midst of the Civil War. Among his greatest accomplishments: the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th Amendment.
Ford granted Richard Nixon an unconditional pardon. In October 1974, Nixon fell ill with phlebitis. Nixon's doctors advised him that he could be operated on, or die. Nixon chose to undergo the operation, and Ford visited Nixon in the hospital. Ford pardoned Nixon, who was ailing, so Nixon could live. Nixon released a statement: "I was wrong in not acting more decisively and more forthrightly in dealing with Watergate, particularly when it reached the stage of judicial proceedings and grew from a political scandal into a national tragedy. No words can describe the depth of my regret and pain at the anguish my mistakes over Watergate have caused the nation and the presidency."
Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, is ranked very highly for preserving the Union in the midst of the Civil War. Among his greatest accomplishments: the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th Amendment.
Ford granted Richard Nixon an unconditional pardon. In October 1974, Nixon fell ill with phlebitis. Nixon's doctors advised him that he could be operated on, or die. Nixon chose to undergo the operation, and Ford visited Nixon in the hospital. Ford pardoned Nixon, who was ailing, so Nixon could live. Nixon released a statement: "I was wrong in not acting more decisively and more forthrightly in dealing with Watergate, particularly when it reached the stage of judicial proceedings and grew from a political scandal into a national tragedy. No words can describe the depth of my regret and pain at the anguish my mistakes over Watergate have caused the nation and the presidency."
May 31, 2019 - Sterling Nichols
Harry Truman brought World War II to an end. Freedom arrived. The
United Nations made the League of Nations obsolete, which was
powerless to prevent Germany from invading Europe. India and
Israel emerged.
May 31, 2019 - Sterling Nichols
God blessed your lifespan, Mr. Ford. R.I.P.
May 31, 2019 - Sterling Nichols
God also blessed Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with a good life.
R.I.P.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again...
Happy trails to you, until we meet again...
Feb 21, 2020 - Brad Parish
Its quite amazing that people of true character can make such a simple concept embody the thoughts and feelings of the author. It is people like Red Skelton that touch the lives of people in profound ways for the betterment of society, state, country and world. He and his thoughts apply across time and boundaries. We should all feel blessed to have been exposed to his humor and his humanity.
May 09, 2020 - Ron Todd
Red was and is on of the funniest comedians. I was able to see
him perform one time in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fair.
I am proud to have been born in the same city as Red, Vincennes,
IN. An organization that I was a member of would do flag
retirement ceremonies. We used Red's Pledge of Allegiance in our
ceremony. We did retirement ceremonies for veterans at a rest
home for veterans That was not easy to do for veterans that had
fought for that flag. It was a privilege for me to say thank you
for your service by doing the ceremony. I live about10 miles
from Ft. Campbell. When I eat out and there are soldiers there,
I like to pay for their meal as a way of saying thank you for
your service. Try it some time and you will get a good feeling
from what you just did.
Jul 07, 2020 - Carolyn LeBrun
Those words are more important today than any other
time, in my life, and I am nearing 71.
God rest Mr Skelton’s soul. He was a comedian and entertainer who could bring a laugh to your lips, or a tear to your eye, quicker than any other before or since.
And last, but certainly not least, he was a good, decent and honorable man.
God rest Mr Skelton’s soul. He was a comedian and entertainer who could bring a laugh to your lips, or a tear to your eye, quicker than any other before or since.
And last, but certainly not least, he was a good, decent and honorable man.
Oct 14, 2023 - Shirley Dobbins Forgan
I live in a retirement community in Texas where we
have 75 veterans living. I have planned a program on
Veterans Day November 11, 2023 to celebrate and
commemorate our veterans. Instead of the regular
Pledge of Allegiance, I am reading Mr. Red Skelton's
personal version told to him by his teacher. It
explains a lot. Thank you. My husband served in the
air force for 34 years and thanks to God, returned
safely from the Vietnam war.We in the military have a
special place in our hearts for America and her rights
and freedoms. God Bless the USA..
Respectfully, Shirley D. Forgan
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