Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Allegiance The Most Important

“I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Sorrowfully, five words were left out when we initially recited that most important  “expression of loyalty to our flag and our country.”

Several weeks ago, we readily agreed to lead the flag salute to open a benefit auction. But, when we tried to say the Pledge  of Allegiance to our self to make sure we hadn’t forgotten the words, we became confused. So, we went to the head auctioneer ashamed and embarrassed, and apologetically requested that somebody else direct the salute.

Driving home later in the day, our conscience was very upset that we couldn’t recite the Pledge we’ve said thousands of times.

Every day in Kindergarten and through eight years of grade school, the first thing every morning we all stood beside our desks and said the Pledge  of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer.

(We still say the prayer several times daily, although it’s against the law for students to say it, but that’s another rant for another time.)

With right hand over our heart, the flag salute was repeated at every Cub Scout, 4-H, FFA and most events we attended growing up.

However, because recently we were unsure of the exact words, it makes us wonder how many others have the same dilemma. Perhaps, it’s because the Pledge  of Allegiance isn’t said as often as it used to be to express the  love for our country and the principles on which it was founded.

Thankfully, Congressional sessions still open with the Pledge, as do many meetings of government and organizations.

Reports verify that the Pledge is recited daily in most schools, although the Supreme Court has ruled that students cannot be compelled to recite the Pledge, nor be punished for not doing so.

There’s been talk of changing wording in the Pledge of Allegiance again, but God please forbid.

Reminds us of  Proverbs 17:18: “A man of good sense gives a Pledge and becomes security for another.” Likewise, First Peter 5:14: “Salute to all in Christ Jesus, may there be peace and freedom from fears, agitating passions and moral conflicts.” Thus, First Chronicles 29:24: “All the leaders and mighty men Pledged Allegiance.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

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