It’s an elementary school tradition. It’s one of the very, very few places it ever happens anymore. And yet, each and every morning, my fourth graders and I say the Pledge of Allegiance. There were years when I said the Pledge wondering how many of my students even knew who God was. For years, I have said the pledge and spoken about it with great emphasis on the last two words, “…for all.” I have tried to teach my students that this is inherently what makes American both different and an amazing country to live in. These promises are for everyone. Liberty and justice aren’t just promised to some, or many, but to all.

This year, I get almost choked up on the Pledge in its entirety. From “United States” to “one nation” to “indivisible” I wonder every day what America will be like when these students are old enough to truly understand those words and their meaning for us as a country. They have no idea how divided our nation is, but they could relate. Most of them have divided homes; they could understand the concept without much explanation I believe.

And so I wonder, how will we ever truly get “liberty and justice for all” if we cannot see, accept and behave as “one nation” will we remain “indivisible?” It may be a chicken and egg type of question. Will the inclusion of all create a truly united set of states, or will uniting the states bring the inclusion?

I have no answers. While I ache to be part of the solution, as a white, middle class American, I admit I don’t even know where to begin. So I will do what I know I can do. I can pledge, every day, with my students. I can help them to understand what the words mean beyond just a pause in teaching and a reminder to take off your hat. Admittedly, though, the Pledge feels more like a prayer lately. “Dear God, help me to teach these children to…

…pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which is stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”