by Thomas Reiner, ©2023
(Aug. 13, 2023) — Moving to the Central Arizona city of Prescott a few years ago has been an enlightening experience for what many of us have lost and never knew was even missing. In my adult life, I have lived and worked in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, Washington and the Country called California. In all of those decades, I can’t recall ever saying the Pledge of Allegiance and as a result, my hand never found its way over my heart… well, except for the Star Spangled Banner at a baseball game with a beer in my hand.
Events in Prescott and surrounding communities routinely recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and I say it at least once a week. It is amazing how cathartic and healing those few and simple words remind us that we are all Americans and we are all truly blessed and special people in this world. With the loss of our heritage, we are truly lost.
I come from the so-called “OK Boomer” generation where we recited The Pledge daily in elementary school and junior high. I don’t know if the new crop of Americans recite the Pledge and I suspect the Department of Education in conjunction with the various Teachers Unions are more interested in DEI and CRT indoctrination in place of Patriotism. I don’t even know what flag they are flying in the classroom these days. It is not universal yet but the infection is spreading. Without love of America, even with its faults, we will only be left with a shell called America if we don’t remember to say The Pledge and the beautiful feelings that it invokes.
If you haven’t said The Pledge in a spell, then pledge to gather your family at least weekly to recite it while facing our beautiful Flag. Your covered heart will be warmed and glad that you did.