Do you know what the pledge means?

"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."

We stand before sporting events, swearing ins of political members, in the classroom and during other events with our right hand over our heart and hats in our left hand, stating the pledge of allegiance. Do you really know what the pledge means? I think that before one states the pledge, it is important to know what you are pledging. So many of us stand there and in monotone voices, dredge out the words without emotion. Let's take it apart, shall we?

I pledge allegiance = you promise your loyalty, your commitment, your love

to the Flag of the United States of America= you aren't really promising your loyalty to the flag; however, the flag is a symbol that represents our fine country and therefore, not being able to look at the entire USA, we choose a symbol that is recognizable to everyone in the world to be representative of the USA. You are promising your loyalty, commitment and love to the USA; the country you live in

and to the Republic = the republic is the people; us...those who have an impact on determining who will run and how our country is run

for which it stands = our country stands for democracy, rights and freedoms and the republic, or people are the ones who make it that way

one Nation under God= we are not separated, but one nation; one country and we while the USA is a melting pot of many cultures, countries and nationalities; we all believe in a God, and our God serves to guide us spiritually and with a conscience, to use humane practices and common sense when making decisions (this is why I have difficulty understanding why people object to having God on government items or in the pledge)

indivisible= we will not be divided, yet remain united in our beliefs that our country is a place of freedom, fairness and justice

with liberty and justice for all= we all have undeniable liberties and rights which cannot be taken from us because of religious beliefs or political views. Justice is served by presuming that one is innocent unless proven guilty. Our country believes that the citizens of the United States of America have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The next time you stand before the flag, the symbol of our country; place your hand over your heart and say the words with meaning. We are lucky to live in a country where everyone is given a chance and an opportunity. The history of the USA has been to embrace differences in culture and because of this, is known as the melting pot of the world.