Times we live in gives new meaning to Pledge of Allegiance

Sometimes, we participate in rituals that are supposed to be meaningful but become routine because of repetitiveness.

I was reminded of that this morning when we started the Caseville Area Historical Society meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Some might consider this particular ritual to be old fashioned, but most of our members are of the age where they don’t care what most people think. Plus, this group is extremely patriotic and proud of what the Land of the Free has done for their families.

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America

Like many, I have placed my hand over my heart and recited it thousands of times. My earliest recollection of developing the ritual was in kindergarten in Marlette, Michigan, my hometown, a half century ago. I think we also started the day with The Lord’s Prayer, but that may one day be a blog post.

But today, probably because of the times we live in and the unsettling idea that there are people in our midst who would destroy our way of life, the pledge took on a special significance.

and to the Republic for which it stands,

After we finished the ritual and sat back down, I kept rolling the words over and over again in my mind. They are powerful and important. I felt a little ashamed for having just gone through the motion of repeating the pledge so many times.

one Nation under God, indivisible,

Giving the pledge its due this morning was invigorating for me. Just 31 words in length, it summarizes so much of what is great about America and our people, despite our many differences.

with liberty and justice for all.

I think taking a little extra time and actually thinking through the words of the pledge would be a great exercise for all who love this country and what it stands for.