The Pledge of Allegiance by Red Skelton

Comedian Red Skelton (1913-1997) grew up in Vincennes, Indiana. He plied his trade as a sentimental clown figure in vaudeville, radio and television, and appeared in 30 MGM films, but his best remembered performance may have been January 14, 1969, when he stopped joking on his weekly TV show, The Red Skelton Hour, to remind us what the Pledge of Allegiance really means.

In 1954, the words "under God" were added to the Pledge of Allegiance, and by 1969 the Vietnam War rendered the United States flag a symbol of divisiveness instead of unity. Also in 1969, the Supreme Court declared compulsory Bible reading and prayer in public schools unconstitutional. Red was concerned that the words "under God" might make the Pledge unconstitutional if recited by students in public schools.  Today his heartfelt words seem more prophetic than ever.

To watch him recite the Pledge on his TV show, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMR6d_9GsCQ