On the recordSeptember 24, 2020
Madam President, I thank Senator Scott. The emphasis on faith, family, community, freedom, liberty, and equal opportunity is what makes this country great. We can never forget it, for it is embedded in the Pledge of Allegiance. I return now to reading the point of view from Red Skelton. This is in terms of his recollection when he was a kid back in Vincennes, IN. He begins: I heard, I think, one of the most outstanding speeches I have 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 he [Mr. Laswell, the principal of Vincennes High School] called us all together, and 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 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 for each word.'' I saw this many years ago myself, and when I looked at the video again, I thought it would behoove everyone to listen to his own words back when he did it on CBS. 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.…
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