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Who matters more in America? Does one race prevail? Are males’ voices more important than females’? What if you identify as LGBTQ or are an immigrant? What if you are an 8-cell embryo or a 22-week old fetus? These are questions that divide Americans. And yet we all live under one Pledge and one Constitution. So, do we deeply believe in the meaning of the words expressed in our Pledge of Allegiance?

“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.”

Another way to consider the question: Is there a shared belief in what the words in the Pledge mean? We display it widely but do we actually reflect on its meaning? It is spoken at sporting events, morning gatherings in public schools, official meetings, and other community events. People display it outside their homes. It hangs outside government buildings. We lower the flag to half-mast when something important happens. Politicians wear a lapel pin on the left side of their jacket or dress to express their allegiance. The intention is to express patriotism to our country. However, is it possible that in our divided country the Pledge’s meaning has been obscured?

Our Flag as a Symbol

Let’s look at some of the words in the Pledge. “I pledge allegiance to the flag” begs the question what does it mean to pledge allegiance to a symbol like a flag. What is it a symbol of or for? On the Veterans Affairs website there is a document that states: “Thirty-one words, which affirm the values and freedom that the American flag represents, are recited while facing the flag as a pledge of Americans’ loyalty to their country” (reference). So it’s an expression of our loyalty to the United States, its values and the freedom it esteems. It portrays loyalty to country versus loyalty to some other entity within the country, for example, a political party.

Indivisibility of our Nation

“One nation…indivisible,” implies that we’re a united country that can’t be divided by our differences. It doesn’t mean we don’t have differences because we know we do. It means that we can’t be divided, alienated, or separated by our differences. If true, then it suggests that we should engage in a dialogue to reconcile the differences that exist. I believe it also means that we should not inflame those differences to widen the divide. Instead, we would build a bridge to narrow the divide.

Liberty and Justice for All

“With liberty and justice for all,” is a phrase that carries deep meaning. It implies we will serve and protect the liberty enshrined in the Preamble to our Constitution. It also means safeguarding justice.

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (reference)

Lliberty and justice for ALL ensures that in the United States we have rights protected by our justice system, which is there to guard our liberties. It doesn’t suggest that these liberties and justices are handed out to a select few. They are for ALL. While “all” in the Pledge is not capitalized, it feels as though it should be capitalized for emphasis. This is because of the alignment of the Preamble, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence, which states:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (reference)

In 2024, we know that “all men” means all people. The Declaration and the Pledge mirror one another in their reference to liberty and justice for ALL.

After the November 5, 2024 election, we are a more divided nation. Journalists, pundits, politicians, candidates, and citizens have referenced the current polarization within our country. The rhetoric throughout the 2024 election process called attention to our differences on the economy, immigration, and abortion. It also spotlighted our differences on gender rights, global commitments, the climate crisis, and many other issues. Additionally, name-calling on both sides of the divide occurred often. This demonizing is an explanation for why we struggle having an open, honest dialogue about our differences. A dialogue leading to reconciliation and progress that illustrates our commitment to “one nation under God, indivisible.”

So, as a nation what must we do? We can remain divided and probably not fulfill our promises to the American people or we can halt the demonizing of others and embrace the idea that we are all God’s children. I prefer the later but realize that I too have to grant the benefit-of-the-doubt and stay open. There is a light shining brightly in everyone, even if we disagree on values and policies.

I do not see a light shining brightly in President-elect Trump. Nonetheless, I need to be open to the possibility that he has the potential to lead our country. At the same time, I can disagree with how he leads and voice my dissent. For example, President-elect Trump shows little understanding of our climate crisis or the desire to address global-warming. My responsibility as a citizen is to stay informed and use my voice to support a more aggressive climate policy. I can accomplish that through my vote, as well as through actions at the local, state, and nation level.

Conclusion

“One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for ALL” presents a significant challenge. Our divided government must work to overcome the challenge. Republicans and Democrats must find a way to work together on substantive policies. They need to collaborate across the aisle for the benefit of all Americans, not just some Americans. I think we can embrace “One Nation Under God,” however, we have a difficult road ahead.