An Interpretation of America’s Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance

The pledge we recite as Americans is so much more than a simple string of words.

It shapes our lives beyond a childhood ritual that opened our days in elementary school.

It resonates further than proud new citizen ceremonies and somber Veterans’ Day memorials.

Passages etched in memory, but much, much more than that.

This oath, our oath, is a public affirmation, a commitment we make in front of others.

It resets a vital connection that reminds us of who we are and what we endeavor to be.

It acknowledges that we have freely, purposely chosen to share a place and destiny in life.

to the flag

The flag we salute graces ballparks and town greens, store fronts and neighborhood homes.

It rides bravely on soldiers’ shoulders and waves raucously from the stands at Olympic games.

It marches at the front of 4th of July parades and leads the solemn corteges of fallen heroes.

Ripples of red, white and blue, the stars and stripes of Old Glory.

This symbol of a radical idea, that people can create a nation of, by and for themselves.

It testifies to sacrifices at Belleau Woods, on Iwo Jima and Old Baldy, in Khe Sanh and Fallujah.

It calls to us not as colored cloth, but as an affirmation of our sacred bond with one another.

of the United States of America,

The land we share enraptures us with purple mountain majesties and a fruited plain.

It transforms us into a union of every form, color, language and expression of our species.

It glistens with humankind’s noblest ideals, yet struggles still with two original sins.

Patriots standing boldly on a hill, a declaration of truths and determination.

This cantankerous, effervescent, awe-inspiring experiment in the best of what people can be.

It inspires and exalts us, challenges and humbles us here home and on our way to the stars.

It confirms the indomitable power and promise of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

and to the Republic for which it stands,

The democracy we inherit is both exuberant and fragile, rare yet too often taken for granted.

It conveys a blessing we are free to enjoy and obligated to preserve for future generations.

It enshrines rights that are frequently cited and responsibilities that are regularly forgotten.

Crucible of imperfection, but also the bastion of unrelenting progress.

This mighty fortress of restless energy that has never once fought to oppress another people.

It retains its good strength despite a day of infamy and the collapse of mighty towers.

It signals to the world and perhaps to itself that We the People are the world’s best hope.

one Nation under God,

The distant port we sought to protect our spiritual freedom and enshrine our human rights.

It beckons now to other generations fleeing to freedom from tyranny and injustice.

It creates one Dream out of our planet’s vast treasury of original traditions and cultures.

Home to opportunity, built with planks of grit and rivets of resolve.

This wilderness transformed by hardy pioneers into an unmatched celebration of humanity.

It pulses audaciously, a singularity ignited by its reach for our endowed equality and respect.

It hearkens not back but forward to a divine gift or at the very least an awe-inspiring one.

indivisible,

The identity we revere in a place that is our bulwark against the forces of brutality.

It stabilizes our disagreements and deters our enemies, it magnifies and empowers us.

It forges a chain with no weak link other than the pernicious rust of noxious voices.

Unity hard-won but never assured, it must always be cherished and protected.

This transcendent word urges us to respect the continuity of our common purpose.

It describes a bond of civil conviction, a collective belief in duty, honor and country.

It transports us to the nation’s soul, to the indomitable fortress of our oneness.

with liberty and justice for all.

The consequence we wield is projected by our might, but made invincible by our values.

It overflows with profiles in courage and also with profiles in compassion and kindness.

It lifts an unwavering torch atop a gifted statue on a native pedestal in a natural harbor.

Epistle conveyed to dreamers everywhere, here you can be whatever you imagine.

This radical notion that brave women and men brought forth less than three centuries ago.

It stumbles over all too human frailties, yet soars with the dignity of a self-made nobility.

It is the summit of human aspiration; it is America’s blessing to the people of the world.