I pledge allegiance to our past. I pledge allegiance to honor. I pledge allegiance to the American Flag.

I pledge allegiance to the Boston Tea Party where our townspeople--disguised as Native Americans--dumped tea into the harbor. The taxation on tea and corruption of the British East India Company had seen the last of submissive Americans. And the United States found her voice.

I pledge allegiance to men before us. From Patrick Henry who demanded, “Give me liberty or give me death!” to Abraham Lincoln who guided the United States back together. The United States unified.

I pledge allegiance to Pearl Harbor. Sneak attacks and 2,403 dead fueled our troops. The United States experienced a turning point.

I pledge allegiance to the souls lost on September 11, 2001. On our own soil 2,997 Americans lost their lives and a new era was formed from their ashes. The United States defined patriotism. 

I pledge allegiance to the troops and to the men and women risking their lives to keep the nation shielded. For those men and women, we salute you and hang our flags for the world to see. The United States is proud of who she is and for what she stands.

I see the red, white, and blue in America’s history, in her present, and in her future. Looking upon our flag, I smile. The history and pride of the United States flag brings gratitude, reflection, and honor. That’s why I will always pledge my allegiance to the American Flag.