I truly love watching the sunset in Arizona. The colors in the sky are beautiful and remind me a little of God’s promises to mankind. Now you may not believe that, but it’s OK. See, I look at it as a reminder to the promise we Americans make. The pledge of allegiance for almost all Americans. The oath of enlistment for those that have served in the military, and the oath of allegiance for those who are naturalized a citizen.
An oath is a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior. The warriors of yesteryear would make an oath to the King and fight to the death for him. I wonder how many who make an oath believe that kind of detriment when making it?
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
The United States Oath of Allegiance, officially referred to as the "Oath of Allegiance," 8 C.F.R. Part 337 (2008), is an oath that must be taken by all immigrants who wish to become United States citizens. I can imagine that my forefathers who came through Ellis Island raised their right hand at some point and took this oath.
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God
This is broken down into FIVE principles:
1. Allegiance to the United States Constitution
2. Renounce allegiance to any foreign country or foreign leader
3. Defend the Constitution
4. Serve in the Armed Forces to protect this country if needed
5. Perform civilian duties of national importance if needed
I like that.
OATH OF ENLISTMENT
Upon enlisting in the United States Armed Forces, each person enlisting in an armed force (whether a Soldier, Sailor, Coast Guardsman, Airman, or Marine) takes an oath of enlistment required by federal statute in 10 U.S.C. § 502.
I raised my right hand when I was 17 years old and spoke these words:
"I, Michael Infanzon, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
One of the things that intrigues me so much is that there is no duration defined in an oath of enlistment itself. While the military members may have a contract for a certain number of years, the promise before God doesn’t seem to expire.
We all at one time or another have broken a promise to someone. We may attempt to make amends for that in keeping with the original promise. And it may be difficult to stay on the path to keep the promise, but it is usually worth it.
Have you ever made a solemn promise? These two oaths are something to remember the next time you take the 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."
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
Just something to think about.
Be good to one another.
Mike
