The pledge that almost went wrong

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

We were asked to stand for the pledge of allegiance Jan. 25, at the installation banquet for the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates, at Hammock Beach Resort. The men in sport jackets, and the women in their finest denim and jewels, stood in a full ballroom and put their hands on their hearts. The atmosphere was pure optimism and celebration.

But we soon realized that, amid all the other meticulous planning for this successful event, the flag had not been accounted for. One resourceful person held up a phone with a photo of the flag on its screen, which was funny, though no one started saying the pledge.

Then, a worker from the resort brought in a flag, and it appeared all was well — until we saw it was a state flag, not a U.S. flag. The crowd laughed and waited patiently. I have to admit, though, I was getting a bit restless.

A moment later, to ease the tension while we waited, the disc jockey put on what he called “background music”: “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was meant as a joke. No disrespect was intended, but I wondered if any veterans in the room would be offended if they perceived we were treating the flag lightly.

Finally, the U.S. flag was brought in, and I joined a room full of people in saying the words in unison.

Like every American kid, I recited the pledge of allegiance with my classmates every day in school for 13 years. But it became such a routine that I stopped thinking about the words at all as I said them.

As an adult, I think about the words more, but especially in that ballroom, after it was such a production to begin. The pledge is a vow. Business leaders and politicians and mothers and fathers in Flagler County promised to always be faithful, and to fight for, the ideals for which this republic stands: God, liberty and justice for all.

For me, there was an electricity in the room. The ceremony of the pledge evaporated any irreverence that had been hanging in the air. It was an edifying experience, a community sharing an intensely private expression of commitment and belief. May we all live up to our pledge.