We all know (or should know) the Pledge of Allegiance by heart, but what does the Pledge of Allegiance mean? I break it down simply, so you can even help the kids understand. Free printable included!
What good is reciting the words if we’re wondering “What does the Pledge of Allegiance mean”? Let’s break this beautiful pledge down line by line and get to the Pledge of Allegiance meaning.
Let’s do more than say the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Let us live it!
– Emanuel Cleaver
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MEANING
What does the Pledge of Allegiance mean? Let’s break it down and have a look.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America”
The definition of “pledge” is: commit (a person or organization) by a solemn promise
The definition of “allegiance” is: loyalty or commitment … of an individual to a group or cause.
The American flag represents many things. The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
So basically this line states that we loyally commit ourselves (aka promise) to our country as a whole (as represented by the flag).
“And to the republic for which it stands”
The definition of “republic” is: a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
This line is saying we also loyally commit or promise ourselves to having the power held by the people, and the people represented by an elected official.
It is saying this is something the flag represents also.
“One Nation, Under God”
The definition of “nation” is: a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.
“Under God” means being under the care of God. This could be whatever God you choose to believe in, but it is basically saying we’re united under the care of that (or all?) God.
Of course, this is the line with all the controversy. Perhaps I’m over simplifying the matter, but I just don’t think this line was put in there to be exclusive. Instead, I think it is meant to be inclusive and offer assurance. If you believe in a traditional Christian God, this is easy to understand. This could also be a god by any other name, and for any other religion. Or, if you believe in the god of trashy fiction novels, or the god of fishing, he/she’s watching out for us too.
This line is about unity. It is saying we’re all united (together) in one place (America), and under the care and assurance of God.
“Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”
“Indivisible” is defined as: unable to be divided or separated
“Liberty” is defined as: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views
The definition of “justice” is: just behavior or treatment. I think it’s silly that the definition has the word “just” in it, which is part of the word we’re trying to define. So I’ll include that a synonym for “justice” is “fairness”.
This line means that we cannot be divided, we will be free of restrictions, and everyone will be treated fairly.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MEANING
So, again we ask the question. What does the pledge of allegiance mean? Here is my simplified version. I hope it isn’t over simplified, but I want to lend understanding to the young ones too.
I promise myself to America, run by the people.
We’re all in this together, and under the care of God
We cannot be divided. We won’t have restrictions on how we want to live, and will all be treated fairly.
To me, the Pledge of Allegiance meaning is profound, even in this simplified version. Perhaps more so in this simplified version.
When I see it written like this, many laws and regulations come to mind which I believe go against this simple pledge. I think it would do us all well to bring this pledge back to the forefront of our minds, and offer it to our children as something they understand instead of something they simply recite (or not even that in some places).
No matter what anyone feels about how this pledge is worded, we should also keep in mind that it pays respect to those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Our freedom to live our lives, our freedom to do and say what we want, and our freedom to complain about wording in a pledge. It is meant to unite us and offer us security and confidence in our country. Let’s try to remember what it is for, even if we think it is imperfect. I have to say, I personally think it is perfect just the way it is.
I hope this has helped you understand the Pledge of Allegiance meaning. Don’t forget to grab your free Pledge of Allegiance printable below! Just click on the photo!
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRINTABLE
Click on the photo to download yours free!
Thanks for stopping by!!
XO,
Morgan
The Cheeky Homemaker
This is really something. I love the translation. We need to teach our children about why we say this pledge .
Your take on the pledge is interesting. It is important to understand what we recite.
This is great! I have never really dug into the meaning myself!