American pride along First Street, Montgomery, Minnesota.
EVERY MORNING as an elementary school student in rural Minnesota, I joined my classmates in facing the corner of the classrooom to gaze upon the American flag. Hands across hearts, we recited the pledge:
I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United State of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.
The same photo, edited.
Those words imprinted upon my memory, instilled a sense of pride in my country and a realization that I live in a nation blessed.
And edited again…
Precious words. Somewhat muddied now. But still, ever so dear.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Those are very good words. I remember saying it every morning also. The pictures are wonderful—-even with all of that horrid snow.
I just wish I’d considered the words more when I recited them. Rote has a way of removing that depth sometimes.
Welcome back to the horrid snow, my friend. At least you escaped for awhile.
There is another fantastic display of patriotism in Millville, MN – the Wabasha County Veterans Memorial Bridge. The pledge allegiance should be in the forefront of all american minds; to never be dismissed, overlooked, diminished in any way and certainly never forgotten.
Amen, Dan. For some reason, I always wanted to say “amen” at the end of the pledge.
Thanks for the tip on Millville’s show of patriotism.
Oh what memories your post brings back..I too remember saying those words each morning. Now as adults we have the ability to appreciate their meaning. Considering the amount of snow all over…..I think there’s going to b a massive thaw soon!!!
I took this photograph about a month ago, so there’s even more snow now.
And you are correct about appreciating the meaning of the pledge more as an adult.
I like that in my professional group that we say the Pledge of Allegiance – I feel connected and rooted and it makes me smile too:) Loving your post – great reminder in so many ways! Happy Hump Day:)
Now that is fabulous, that you say the pledge in your pro group.
Audrey has learned the Pledge of Allegiance in pre-school this year. I was so impressed to here her recite it a few weeks ago. She attends a Christian preschool, do you know if the public schools even say the pledge anymore…just curious.
I don’t know for certain, Jackie, but I think not. Readers?
At the time, such recitation was tedious (as I remember) but, as with many other repetitions, I have come to appreciate the results of the disciplines. Because I attended Catholic schools (elem. & h.s.), the Pledge was followed by the verse: “That in all things, God may be glorified”. Those were good days………………………..
As adults, we fully appreciate the recitations of our youth. Not so much when we were kids. Growing up Lutheran, I memorized many a bible verse and knowing that Scripture has been of great comfort, support and peace throughout my life.
Totally agree!
It was a great tradition along with morning prayers. I know praying has been scrapped but do they still say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools? I do hope so xx
Morning prayer was never part of my school routine since I attended public school. But the pledge always was.
I do not believe the pledge is recited in public schools anymore. But I don’t know for certain.
That is exciting particularly as a veteran who feels this country is losing it’s way. Today it is almost affront to express Christian beliefs.
You’ll find such patriotism still in many small towns. And I agree that this fantastic.
I also agree with you on expression of Christian beliefs.