Our American flag is a symbol of hope. It speaks boldly, but without words. It represents identity, pride and unity.
The original flag was adopted on June 14, 1777 with 13 red and white stripes and 13 stars in a blue field. The blue field represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The 13 represents the original colonies.
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1885 by Captain George Thacher Balch, a union army officer in the civil war. The purpose was to instill pride in school children.
There have been four revisions, making minor changes over the years.
The most current version of 1954 is as follows:
‘I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.’
Every day at Plum College, our one room school, we said this pledge. I wish that were still practiced in schools today. Those meaningful words remind us to protect our independence ideals.
Countless soldiers, both men and women gave their lives for America. We must not, in our lifetime, ever forget those who made that sacrifice.
We are all grateful four our country, we are soldiers too. Many of us are a part of the daily work force. From the farmer to the doctor, the garbageman to the volunteer, grandparents and factory workers, we all count; we’re all needed.
We fly our flag to say we belong. It is an emblem of our being.
Joyce (Trueblood) Spidle
May, 2025
