This song encourages students to reflect on the deeper meaning of the pledge of allegiance.
       In many classrooms, the morning pledge has become a mechanical ritual, devoid of any meaning. Although views of patriotism vary with one's political perspective, most would agree that the republic
is well served when citizens reflect thoughtfully on the meaning of the words in the pledge and our nation's core values.

It's up to you red, white and blue
It's up to you red, white and blue
It's up to you red, white and blue
to honor the flag.

Stand up and pledge allegiance to the flag
What does it mean? Who's listening?
Is it more than a collection of words?
It's all there, but something's missing.

It's up to you red, white and blue
It's up to you red, white and blue
It's up to you red, white and blue
to honor the flag.

It's up to you, red
It's up to you, white
It's up to you blue
Honor the flag.

The flag is, a piece of cloth
But it stands for much more.
The values at the heart of our nation
Do you know what they are?

Chorus

The flag does not stand for leading by force
or following blind.
For the republic to be strong,
You've got to use your own mind.

Chorus

 

With each song, the Musical Media for Education, Volume 2, CD and Teaching Guide includes:
      1) A lyric sheet, enabling students to follow the song more easily.
      2) Suggested lesson activities
      3) Lyrical Footnotes. The narrative footnotes enrich student understanding with supplemental information and supporting commentary. The footnotes also suggest additional teaching possibilities.

 Suggested Activities                                                                              
1) Student Survey: Pledge of Allegiance
      Play "Flag," then introduce students to a survey assignment in which they will ask 3-5 students of various ages to recite the pledge and explain, in their own words, what it means to them. Compile the results as a class. The data will help determine whether the pledge
is delivered robotically or whether it has real meaning for students.

2) Core Values
      "Flag" suggests that the American flag stands for our nation's core values and then poses the question, "Do you know what they are?" After playing the song, engage students in discussion of defining American values. What are they? What do they mean?

3) Flag Day and other Holidays
      Flag Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day are holidays when the issues Raised by "Flag" are particularly relevant.

Additional footnotes and teach tips are available on Musical Media for Education's
Volume 2 and Teaching Guide.