| The founding fathers of this great nation knew | | | | those promises. |
| that there would be times when we would need | | | | This is a reminder to our children that we promise |
| inspiration and words that would bring courage to | | | | loyalty to the United States, 'a nation under God'. |
| the young and old. It is also one of a few points | | | | This portion of the pledge is where the real battle |
| of inspiration that is mixed in everything that is | | | | has taken place, as those who oppose saying |
| taught in our home school. One of the many | | | | 'under God' in school say it's not a separation of |
| meanings that the Pledge of Allegiance has meant | | | | church and state. |
| for me is inspiration to loyalty and courage, even | | | | Whether you are standing in a court house, police |
| considering that it was not conceived until 1892. | | | | station, capitol building, church, synagoge, temple I |
| Formally recognized by Congress in 1942, that's | | | | have yet seen anyone outrun God or able to |
| enough history for me. | | | | evade his presence. So the whole separation of |
| It is also a viewpoint that I teach at our home | | | | church and state is hinged not on what words are |
| school, and one that occasionally get's the | | | | said, but the prevention of one religion becoming |
| teenagers in heated discussions with public school | | | | 'the' state supported religion or the state banning |
| teens as to why we should say the pledge | | | | all religions. There are over 200 options of abuse |
| everyday. | | | | of power that are trying to be prevented by that |
| Let's look at the word pledge, which is what our | | | | particular section of law and those who are |
| home school did as an exercise in history and | | | | worried by the words 'under god' probably don't |
| social science. Pledge is a solemn binding promise | | | | even know one of them. |
| to do something, or a solemn binding pledge to | | | | Our children need to know and respect the fact |
| give something. In the Pledge of Allegiance we are | | | | that they are living in a country where 'under God' |
| each time making a solemn binding promise to | | | | means something and that right now there are |
| give allegiance to the outstanding symbol of life, | | | | thousands of men and women willing to die for |
| liberty and the pursuit of happiness in this country. | | | | those words. This country's history is tempered |
| This is the one country in the world where you | | | | with the brave sacrifices of men and women |
| are given the choice to make a promise to live | | | | living and dying for their loyalty to the United |
| good (life), live freely (liberty) and live to the best | | | | States. The sacrifices of the living are when they |
| of your ability with the opportunities available | | | | take the time to be in law enforcement, |
| (pursuit of happiness). Our children need to be | | | | healthcare, anything that helps make this great |
| reminded that choice is available and there are | | | | country run free from day to day. And we should |
| people in this country willing to help you keep | | | | not let them live or die in vain. |