One particular line from April 24’s Guest Commentary, “Don’t Require Students to Stand for the Pledge”, caught my attention as I read it: “I had no idea what was the purpose and significance of saying [the Pledge of Allegiance] in the morning and staring at a flag.” This got me thinking – What are we really saying when we recite it and why do many people stand when saying it?

The second question is relatively easy. Standing is a form of respect. It gives the person or thing we are rising for our utmost attention, as when a dignitary enters the room or when you are being introduced to someone. We may not promote this as much as we once did; nonetheless, standing is still a courtesy.

The first question is a bit more involved, so let’s break it down.

I PLEDGE – A pledge is a promise, an oath. It’s your word that you are going to fulfill an obligation. Think of when you pledge money to a charity drive. You can renege, of course, but doing so reflects badly on you. So, what am I pledging in this case?

ALLEGIENCE — I’m promising to form a partnership or a union with someone or something. It’s an I-got-your-back statement. You’re now in cahoots. And to what or whom am I offering this allegiance?

TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – straightforward enough.

AND – Not only a flag, but something more.

TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS – aka the United States of America, which this particular flag represents, i.e., stands for.

ONE NATION – When the Pledge was written in 1892 we were barely a quarter century removed from the end of the Civil War. Memories of that division were still fresh. These words remind us we are better together, despite all our differences.

UNDER GOD – These words were formally added in 1954, in part through an initiative of the Knights of Columbus. As President Eisenhower said at the time, “These words will remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man” The U.S. Supreme Court (in Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow) found these words do not violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

INDIVISIBLE – See note on “ONE NATION” above.

WITH LIBERTY – Freedom and the responsibility, as citizens, to promote the same for others.

AND JUSTICE – Mercy, fairness.

FOR ALL – Everyone.

Put another way, “I promise firm commitment to, and support of, the flag of the United States of America and to the nation it represents. One undivided country, guided by moral and spiritual principles, with freedom and fairness for everyone.”