Let's be old-fashioned. There are those in this country today who belittle patriotism and call it "old-fashioned" to wave the American Flag. They are the same people who don't stand when the Star-Spangled Banner is played or do not remove their hats or salute when the flag passes by them.
We - as Scouts - have, learned to pity them for we recognize that to them Old Glory is just so much red, white, and blue cloth. They have never been taught, or they have forgotten, that our flag is made up of blood, tears, pain, and untold hardship and sacrifices. That hundreds of men have given their lives rather than to see it t touch the ground.
No, it is not just cloth. It is made up of the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy which are the very foundation of America arid our American way of life. As long as it flies - it will always be the symbol of hope to the enslaved people of the world. As long as it shall wave over America it will spread to the world the message that we, as a people, "care" for those denied freedom and the proper dignity for man.
If paying respect to Old Glory and loving with all our heart the things for which it stands is "Old.-Fashioned", then pray to God we all are and will remain "old-fashioned".
Now, may I ask each of you to please stand.
Place your hand over your heart or make the Cub Scout Salute and recite with me the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
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.
Please be seated.
(This is very effective if all the lights are out and a spotlight or flashlight is turned on the flag.)
(Instead of a narrator --reading this, it can be put on by a Den, assigning lines to various boys. The flag should be the center of attention, so lines should be written for the boys to read and they stand off to the side. They should be thoroughly rehearsed to read slowly, distinctly and with feeling - and loudly)