[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S4064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE 247TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF THE FLAG OF THE
UNITED STATES AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. BRAUN. Mr. President, I rise today--I have done this several
times since I have been here in the Senate. It is always an honor to do
it. When something is that important, I think it is worth repeating. I
am rising today to offer a resolution expressing support for the Pledge
of Allegiance as an expression of patriotism and honoring the 247th
anniversary of the introduction of our U.S. flag.
Tomorrow, we celebrate Flag Day, which was established over 100 years
ago by President Woodrow Wilson. As we pause to recognize all that our
flag represents, let us also honor those who have sacrificed everything
to defend it.
In 2002, Senator Tom Daschle raised a similar resolution with
unanimous support from the Senate. It passed on the floor uneventfully.
Today, I ask this body to reaffirm our support for the Pledge of
Allegiance, also bringing into account somebody from Indiana--Red
Skelton.
In 1969, the American entertainer, who was well known for his program
``The Red Skelton Hour,'' wrote a speech on the importance of the
pledge. Reflecting on his time in Vincennes, IN, he spoke about the
values instilled by one of his high school teachers.
After the performance of the speech, CBS received 200,000 requests
for copies. I wonder if that would occur in this day and age. This
speech would go on to be sold as a single by Columbia Records and
performed at the White House for President Nixon.
I think it would honor Mr. Skelton's memory and the importance of the
Pledge of Allegiance if it were recited again today on the Senate floor
like I have done several times since I have been here.
Red Skelton:
When I was a small boy in Vincennes, Indiana, I heard, I
think, one of the most outstanding speeches I ever heard in
my life. I think it compares with the Sermon on the Mount,
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Socrates' speech to the
Students.
We had just finished reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and
Mr. Lasswell, the Principal of Vincennes High School, called
us all together. He says, ``Uh, boys and girls, I have been
listening to you recite the Pledge of Allegiance all
semester, and it seems that it has become a little monotonous
to you. Or, could it be, you do not understand the meaning of
each word? If I may, I would like to recite the pledge, and
give you a definition of each word:
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
courage. And wherever she waves, there is respect, because
your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, `Freedom is
everybody's job.'
of the United--That means we have all come together.
States--Individual communities that have united into 48
great states;----
Forty-eight because of when it was done----
48 individual communities with pride and dignity and
purpose; all divided by imaginary boundaries, yet united to a
common cause, and that's love of country--
Of America.
And to the Republic--A Republic: a sovereign state in which
power is invested into the representatives chosen by the
people to govern; and the government is of the people; and
it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to
the people.
For which it stands
One Nation--Meaning `so blessed by God.'
[Under God]
Indivisible--Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty--Which is freedom; the right of power for one
to live his own life without fears, threats, or any sort of
retaliation.
And Justice--The principle and qualities of dealing fairly
with others.
For All--For All. That means, boys and girls, it's as much
your country as it is mine.''
Afterwards, Mr. Lasswell asked his students to recite the Pledge of
Allegiance together, with newfound appreciation for the words.
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.
Red Skelton concluded his speech by saying:
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 [it should] be eliminated from our
schools [as well]?
Just as those students that day--Mr. Red Skelton included--
recommitted to the meaning of the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, I
call upon the U.S. Senate to recommit to the meaning of these words.
There are times today that the words of the Pledge of Allegiance are
tossed around without care. Other times, they are altered to remove
what today is deemed offensive or antiquated. But Americans should not
misuse or abuse our Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge is meant to remind
Americans of our guiding principles and inspire adherence to those
ideas that made our country great: equality under the law; recognized
rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That is why, in
honor of Flag Day tomorrow, I am requesting unanimous consent from my
colleagues that my resolution expressing support of the Pledge of
Allegiance be passed.
Mr. President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule
XXII, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate
consideration of S. Res. 732, which is at the desk; further, that the
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no
intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 732) celebrating the 247th
anniversary of the creation of the flag of the United States
and expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. BRAUN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider
be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action
or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 732) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
(The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')
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