Earlier today the Senate fell short of the votes needed for an amendment to the Constitution that would have given them the, “power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” As I have read and thought about this I am not disappointed nor upset that the measure failed. Instead, I am saddened by the fact we even need to consider such a course.

I was reminded of an old story that some of you may have heard — Comedian Red Skelton’s commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance. He begins by telling the story of a teacher who heard the students reciting the pledge without even hearing the words they were saying. The teacher wants to instill the respect the pledge (and in this current discussion, the flag) deserves. It is the remembrance of that event that Mr. Skelton recounts:

I Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance My love and my devotion.

To the Flag Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job.

United That means that we have all come together.

States Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic Republic–a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation One Nation–meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All For All–which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?

If we don’t teach our children how and why to respect the flag, no amendment will be able to protect it.