Who Is John Wayne?

My VIP for this week is John Wayne – THE John Wayne, the famous, bigger-than-life movie star. The Duke died decades ago, but he continues to influence the current generation at time. The reason for my choice is our upcoming 250^th anniversary of American independence. Jeffrey H. Anderson shared some historical information that many people today may not know or may not remember.

Many Americans of Generation X and older will recall the red, white, and blue American Freedom Train that was a centerpiece of America’s glorious bicentennial celebration in 1976. But few know that the Freedom Train – pulled by a steam locomotive and filled with American historical artifacts – was the brainchild of none other than John Wayne.

 As we fast approach the 250^th anniversary of American independence, it’s time to get Wayne’s American Freedom Train back on the tracks as part of the quarter-millennium celebration.

Ross Rowland, who spearheaded the American Freedom Train effort as a young man, recently told me how Wayne came to have the idea. Rowland had run away from home in the 1950s and fortuitously ended up working as a groundskeeper for Wayne. The Duke befriended Rowland and eventually convinced him to return home. Rowland, whose father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had all been railroad men, had success on Wall Street and then commemorated the centennial of the 1869 “golden spike” – the completion of the transcontinental railroad – by having a steam train travel from New York City to Salt Lake City.

Wayne joined Rowland for the final leg of that journey (and arranged to have “True Grit” premiere in Salt Lake City the night before). As they rode in an open-air train car, observing the large crowds as they passed, Rowland says Wayne told him something to the effect of, “You know, Ross, we’ve got America’s 200^th birthday coming up. We should do this for that.” And they did. Rowland handled most of the planning and execution, Wayne got support from Bing Crosby and others in Hollywood, and President Richard Nixon agreed to let the train carry artifacts usually housed at the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, and National Archives.

The American Freedom Train was a tremendous success. During the bicentennial period, it traveled to all 48 contiguous states, stopped 138 times, and had an average of more than 50,000 visitors board at each stop. Riding along a moving walkway, visitors saw such artifacts as Paul Revere’s saddlebags, President George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the actual Louisiana Purchase document, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Babe Ruth’s bat, John F. Kennedy’s handwritten copy of his inaugural address, and other artifacts, enough to fill 12 display cars.

The American Freedom Train, perhaps more than anything else, tied the national and local bicentennial celebrations together….

During the recent period of peak wokeness – from around 2020 to 2024 – it looked like the nation’s 250^th anniversary risked becoming more of a condemnation than a celebration of American history. President Donald Trump’s defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris largely ensured that the occasion would be a celebration. Yet there is a very real danger that this milestone anniversary – perhaps the best chance in 50 years to reset how Americans view our nation’s founding – might barely register with the public, making it a massive lost opportunity.

Planning for the quarter-millennium is woefully far behind where planning was at this stage for the bicentennial….

Fortunately, the American Freedom Train could hit the tracks in the first half of 2026. Rob Gardner, president of the American Steam Railroad, told me the “sister engine” of a locomotive that pulled the train during the bicentennial is being restored and will be ready for action. All that’s really needed is for President Trump to authorize the use of federal artifacts at the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, and National Archives, consistent with his recent executive order telling the Smithsonian to stop denigrating America and instead “remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage.” Everything else would quickly fall into place.

There’s still a chance to make the quarter-millennium anniversary a spectacular and unifying event like the bicentennial was a half-century ago. Reprising the American Freedom Train is a big part of that. Let’s bring back John Wayne’s rolling tribute to America’s finest.

I remember that the bicentennial celebration was a big deal. However, I was living in Alaska in 1976 and did not have an opportunity to see the American Freedom Train. I expect that I would appreciate it much more now than I would have been fifty years ago. I hope that my readers will be watching for it.

Pledge of Allegiance

                    Families, communities and nations are strengthened when we as parents, grandparents, teachers, and other leaders model patriotism when saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Our children and youth must be taught proper respect for the flag of the United States and given the opportunity to experience patriotic feelings.  The Pledge of Allegiance is a statement of patriotism and can help our children and youth learn about the greatness of the United States of America.

                    There are only thirty-one words in the Pledge of Allegiance, but those words carry great meaning and can be recited with or without much feeling.  When we recite the words as quickly as possible just to do it, we dishonor the flag.  When we repeat the words with patriotic feelings, we show our love for the flag and for the nation it represents.  "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." 

I learned those words when I was very small.  I was probably too young and too naïve to understand what the words really mean, but I committed them to memory and can now repeat them without even thinking about what I am saying.  I believe that the words are nearly meaningless to many people in our nation today.

Do we understand the significance of the words contained in the Pledge of Allegiance?  Do we even consider the price our Founders paid to establish independence and to organize this nation?  Do we think about the brave men and women who willingly stand between you and I in defense of our lives, families and property?

                    Some people may wonder why we pledge allegiance to a piece of cloth.  Yes, our flag is just a piece of cloth, but that piece of cloth represents America's values, her traditions, her history, her heritage, her majesty, her nobility, her compassion, and her humility. We pledge allegiance to all that the flag represents.

The flag of the United States of America is known by several names, among which are Old Glory, the Star Spangled Banner and the Stars and Stripes with the Stars and Stripes being the most popular name for the red, white and blue flag.

                    The colors of our flag stand for our land, our people, our government and our ideals. The flag of our nation stirs patriots to joy, to courage, and to sacrifice. Our flag - as well as the flags of all nations - should be treated with respect at all times. People who burn flags or desecrate them in other ways are rude and without proper manners or knowledge. There are many, many and much better ways to show opposition than to burn a nation's flag.

                    June 14 is known as Flag Day in the United States, a day we celebrate because the flag known as the Stars and Stripes was formally adopted as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777.  Flag Day was first officially observed in 1877 on the centennial anniversary of the selection of the flag, but it was not officially recognized until 1949 when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Flag Day Bill.

                    A true patriot loves liberty, defends faith, promotes unity, protects democracy, champions peace, and guards those things considered sacred.  When we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we commit to every part of America - her awe, her compassion, her heritage, her history, her humility, her majesty, her nobility, her principles, her traditions, and her values.

I - an individual, one person, a committee of one:  The Pledge of Allegiance starts out with  I  - not we, not you, not they but I - meaning Me, Myself, I.   The word I is a very personal pronoun and is the first-person singular.  I am the first person I must consider when I pledge allegiance to anything.  I am responsible for my contribution.  I am accountable for my participation.  I am answerable for my diligence.  I hold myself individually responsible for supporting our government, for honoring our traditions, for protecting our heritage.  I must examine myself to determine my courage, my willingness, my allegiance.  The Pledge of Allegiance starts out very personally.

PLEDGE - commit, covenant, promise, vow:  Someone suggested in 1892 that school children recite this vow of allegiance for some special occasion.  It was to be a one-time recital, but it ended up becoming a patriotic tradition - a tradition that is a part of the very fiber of Americans.  By learning the Pledge of Allegiance as very young children, we learned that our flag stood for something important - freedom.

I do personally and solemnly promise…

ALLEGIANCE - my duty, my devotion, my obligation, my fidelity, my loyalty:  The Declaration of Independence ends with these familiar words:  "And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Each man who signed the Declaration pledged "my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor," and what did they pledge these valuables for?  Freedom!

I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor….

TO THE FLAG - banner, ensign, standard, symbol:  Our majestic flag has faithfully flown over us for our entire lives.  That flag stands for America!  It stands for the freedom, the compassion, and the goodness of Americans.  It is just a piece of cloth with some stars and stripes on it - but those stars and stripes proclaim the glory, the compassion, and the strength of the American way of life.  The flag was raised as soon as possible on Iwo Jima during World War II to indicate that our American soldiers had taken control of that island.  The flag was raised at Ground Zero to indicate that America still had glory, compassion and strength.

I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy…

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - The nation sometimes called simply America is a united group of states - the United States. Our nation can be compared to a gigantic puzzle; it was put together piece by piece or state by state.  Each state has an entity of its own, but each state is part of a whole.

We are the United States of America.  This is our identity.  We are one with one heart and one mind.  We are free because we are united.  We are united in desiring the blessings of freedom for all mankind.

We, the people of the United States, are a powerfully united entity - and the entire civilized world recognizes the strength of our solidarity.  Our unity is known by those who applaud us as well as by those who despise us.

Following 9/11, President George W. Bush stated:  In the normal course of events, presidents come to this chamber to report on the state of the Union.  Tonight, no such report is needed.  It has already been delivered by the American people….  My fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union - and it is strong.

I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America….

AND TO THE REPUBLIC - a group of states, a commonwealth:

                    A republic is described as a nation or state in which the citizens elect representatives to manage the government.  Our Founding Fathers had the outrageous idea that men and women could govern themselves, and they fought for eight long years for the opportunity to prove they were right.  Another seven long years passed before they completed the Constitution of the United States. 

                    With this Constitution, our Founders organized a government that would protect our God-given rights.  They intentionally gave us a republic and not a democracy because they knew that democracies were not long-lasting.  They wanted this nation to last as long as possible and gave us a republic and the responsibility to keep it.

                    A democracy works well with a small group of people where each person can vote as they will.  A republic is capable of governing an ever-increasing number of people.  Our nation began with thirteen states and maybe three million people.  It now has fifty states and more than 300 million people - and the republican type of government could handle even more states and people.  Our government has remained basically the same since its beginning because it is a republic and not a democracy.

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic….

FOR WHICH IT STAND - THE NATION IT REPRESENTS:

                    Americans have fought wars since the beginning of our nation, but most of those wars have been fought on foreign soil.  Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and brought the United States into World War II.  Many battles were fought, and many Americans lost their lives in that war, but their families and homes were far from the battlegrounds. 

On February 23, 1945, four years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, six marines climbed to the top of Mount Suribachi.  Working together shoulder to should, they carried a flag and a piece of drainage pipe weighing over one hundred pounds.  Their desire was to show the world that United States of America controlled the island of Iwo Jima.  When the victorious troops at the bottom of the mountain saw the flag flapping valiantly in the wind, they erupted in cheers.  The sight of the United States flag flying over that island brought hope as well as a willingness to go forward in their battle for liberty.

                    Fifty-six years later terrorists flew airliners into the Twin Towers in New York City.  Three brave firemen worked shoulder to shoulder to lift a huge flag pole in order to let Old Glory signal to the world that the American people were here and willing to fight again for justice and liberty for all.

                    The actions of these nine men - on two separate occasions - demonstrate the importance of the flag as a symbol that our nation still stands.  When we pledge allegiance to the flag we make a solemn vow to do as these men did - proclaim the principles and values of our nation.  This flag beckons all who desire freedom and opportunity.

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents….

ONE NATION:

                    The United States covers much more geography than many of the 180+ nations of the world and its landscapes and cultures are diverse.  In fact, our nation probably has more diversity in it than any other nation in the world.  We are people from across the world who have come to America to enjoy our freedoms and opportunities.  We have different ideas and goals for our nation, and sometimes we argue and contend with each other; however, when we are tested by terrorism, tragedy or war or tried by betrayal or invasion, we quickly forget our differences and become united against our enemies.  We stand united as one nation.

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents, one united nation….

UNDER GOD:

                    The phrase "under God" was added to our Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 when our leaders recognized that Communists were attempting to take over our government.  I was about nine years old and remember when that change was made.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was President of the United States at that time, and he made the following statement:  "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

                    The United States was settled because the Puritans and Pilgrims were searching for a place where they could practice their Christian religions in freedom.  The second verse of the Declaration of Independence 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…."

                    George Washington stated, "It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States…."

                    Our nation is a Christian nation that was founded on Christian principles and values.  Jesus Christ is the God of this land and will protect us as long as we serve Him and keep His commandments.

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents, one united nation under the God of this land who is Jesus Christ….

INDIVISIBLE - indissoluble, inseparable, cannot be divided:

                    Our nation fought for four long years in the Civil War to prove the point that no state or group of states can leave the Union.  Just as many married people have discovered, it is easier to be united than it is to stay united.  The unity of a marriage depends on the integrity of the two people involved in the marriage.  The indivisibility of our nation depends on the integrity in the lives of our citizens and depends on our individual resolve to stay together.

                    The class warfare currently taking place in our nation - and seemingly encouraged by Barach Obama - is a thinly disguised attempt to destroy our unity and divide the people from within our borders.  No foreign enemy will ever destroy the United States because we become more united when attacked.  We the people of the United States understand that we are stronger as we stand together.

                    It is our individual integrity - doing our duty in our homes, churches, schools, communities, and workplaces - that keeps our nation strong.  The United States was founded on faith in God, passion for independence and liberty, and love of mankind.  As we remember those important founding principles and return to our roots, our nation will remain indivisible.

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents, one united nation under the God of this land who is Jesus Christ, inseparable….

WITH LIBERTY - freedom , independence, lack of restraint, the condition of being free from captivity, imprisonment or slavery:

                    While in our pre-earth life, we each were granted the gift of agency - the power to choose for ourselves.  Each of us brought this gift with us to earth, and each of us has that desire for to be free to choose, to be independent, and to enjoy the blessings of liberty.  When foreign enemies threaten us with tyranny and terrorism or internal enemies threaten us with civil unrest, we lift our banners to show our willingness to fight for the cause of liberty.

                    The great patriot Patrick Henry said it best when he said, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God!  I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents, one united nation under the God of this land who is Jesus Christ, inseparable, with freedom from captivity, imprisonment or slavery….

AND JUSTICE - fairness, rightness, correctness:

                    The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins:  "WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice…."  The Founders of our nation wanted to form a government that would provide equal justice for all.  Every American citizen has the right to be protected as to life, liberty, and property and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

                    The government establishes and protects justice when it "protects the rights of its people and provides an adequate remedy for those whose rights have been violated, then that government is providing equal justice for all.

                    "Justice requires an opportunity and a place to complain of an injury as well as the machinery to provide a remedy.  For the accused, justice requires the opportunity to hear and understand the charge, cross-examine those who are making the charge, have a fair and speedy trial, and have an opportunity to repair the wrong if found guilty" (W. Cleon Skousen in The Making of America - The Substance and Meaning of the Constitution, p 239).

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents, one united nation under the God of this land who is Jesus Christ, inseparable, with freedom from captivity, imprisonment or slavery and fairness….

FOR ALL - every single one of us:

                    When we pledge our allegiance to the flag, we make a solemn promise that we will further the cause of liberty and justice for all.  We do not wish to keep these blessings for ourselves alone but desire to spread independence and freedom throughout the world and into all nations.

                    The Pledge of Allegiance begins with "I" and ends with "all".  The individual must be loyal to the cause of liberty and work to preserve freedom for the whole of us.  The individual must work for unity in order than we may all be strong.  The individual must work for liberty and justice for the benefit of all Americans.  We individually promise to pursue liberty and justice for all.

                    I do personally and solemnly promise my life, my loyalty, and my sacred honor to the ensign of democracy - the flag of the United States of America - and to the group of states known as our Republic that it represents, one united nation under the God of this land who is Jesus Christ, unable to be divided, with freedom from captivity, imprisonment or slavery and fairness for every single one of us.

                    My statement explaining the words in the Pledge of Allegiance contains fifty-one words.  In their statement, the author(s) of the Pledge of Allegiance brought many ideas together in fewer words - thirty-one.  I must admit that I like their statement the best - but my statement makes me think deeper.  I am grateful to be a citizen of the United States and to enjoy the promises of liberty and justice.  I am also grateful to D. K. Webb who wrote the book I Pledge Allegiance and for the inspiring thoughts contained within the book.  This book is the foundation of my essay.

                    The world has changed greatly since I was a child.  I grew up in a nation that remembered World War II and the battles fought for freedom.  Leaders and teachers in all areas of my life taught me that I lived in a wonderful nation and was blessed to be an American.

One of the greatest changes over the past years has occurred in Hollywood. Hollywood stars and movies were very patriotic in my childhood and youth as you can see from the following videos, but the stars of today and their movies seem to simply destroy what our Founders established for us.  Compare of the stars of today with the stars of yesterday by watching John Wayne and Red Skelton reciting the pledge of allegiance. How many of our movie and television stars have you seen recently showing such patriotism?

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.

Stars Recite Pledge

The world has changed greatly since I was a child, and one of the greatest changes occurred in Hollywood. Hollywood stars and movies were very patriotic in my childhood and youth, but the stars and movies of today seem to simply want to tear our nation down. For a simple comparison of the stars of today to the stars of yesterday, check out John Wayne and Red Skelton reciting the pledge of allegiance. How many of our movie and television stars would do the same today?