BeaconMediaNews.com
2 | APRIL 25, 2013 - MAY 1, 2013
Dorothy's Place
About our pledge to the flag By Dorothy Denne When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag at public meetings, I sometimes cause the people close around me to flub a bit. I do not pause before 'under God' because, to my knowledge, there is no comma in the text. It reads, "....for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I explained that fact after a recitation of the Pledge at a recent meeting. Also in attendance was longtime friend Gary Kovacic, Arcadia city council member. He jokingly commented, "I agree with her but leave it to Dorothy, even if millions of people say it one way, she'll still say it her way." Well yeah, when I believe I'm right. Another of the participants had previously raised the question of how
the pledge started. Having taught the history of it more than once in my teaching career, I was all ready to blip off an answer for her, only to realize I had forgotten much of my information. I had to come home and dig into my cabinet of "retired" files, and also take a modern gander at Wikipedia. I rediscovered that the history of the Pledge of Allegiance is a fascinating case study in the making of a tradition. It is too long to put into "Dorothy's Place", but in case your memory is like mine or you just never knew, let me give you a time line with the four different versions from beginning to present. The First Pledge: I give my hand and heart to my country, one nation, one language, one flag. -- author unknown, said at public ceremonies in the 1800s. 1892: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Repub-
lic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. -- Francis Bellamy 1923: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. -- National Flag Conferences of 1923-24 1954: 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. -- U.S. Congress with President Eisenhower The story does not exactly end here. There have been, and continue to be, suggestions and arguments for further revision. The search for a definitive oath of loyalty to our land will probably continue as long as our nation exists. I shan't throw my file away.
51st Annual
Sierra Madre Art Fair Saturday, May 4, 2013 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2013 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dichroic Vases by Featured Artist
David Van Noppen
100 Artists, Children’s Activities Live Entertainment and Food Court Free Admission Sierra Madre Memorial Park
222 West Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, California For event information: 626.355.7186 or www.sierramadrelibraryfriends.org Benefits Sierra Madre Public Library
Letters to the Editor Send your letters to tmiller@beaconmedianews.com Dear Editor, We are 11th graders at Arcadia High School. We believe sustainability is important because it conserves energy and preserves our resources to ensure availability for generations to come. Sustainable practices also do wonders for our economy and can help mitigate problems caused by climate change. We know that LAUSD passed the Resolution “Green LAUSD” in 2007, setting a goal to “become the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly large school district in the country.” LAUSD, the sec-
ond largest school district in the nation, has a strong history of being a leader in environmental sustainability. By creating and implementing a comprehensive and binding Climate Action Plan for the school district, we can help Los Angeles achieve its goal of becoming a beacon for environmentally friendly cities across the nation. In order to achieve this goal, however, LAUSD needs all the support it can get. Students from across Los Angeles will be gathering together at CicLAvia to deliver the following message to City Hall: “On behalf of
Los Angeles youth, we demand official support and accountability for a comprehensive and binding Climate Action Plan for LAUSD by 2015.” We encourage anyone who is interested in this cause to join us-- we will be gathering at Pershing Square at 12pm on April 21st. Help us make Los Angeles a cleaner, safer place to live. Sincerely, Valerie Chang Aarushi Walia Arcadia High School 180 Campus Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007
Dear Editor: In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to thank Emperor Elementary school’s wonderful teachers and support staff for all their hard work and dedication. Our son, Lucas de Paula, has had Mrs. Johnson (kindergarten) and Mrs. Jara (first grade) who have had a wonderful impact on his ability to learn and grow. All teachers are stellar at what they do in my opinion. Being a teacher is certainly not an easy job.
Teachers are one of the most important adults in a child's life. They not only teach the children valuable educational skills, but also help them to development social skills and positive attitudes about the world around them. I have seen my Lucas blossoms from a little boy to a responsible first grader. Thanks to Mrs Jara’s strong , and firm yet very caring and loving teaching style. What a wonderful balance! I want her to
know how MUCH I do appreciate all she has done this year her. My family is forever grateful to the tireless teachers and staff for of Emperor. They work so hard throughout the year to make this school a success for the students and community. Thank you all for making such a wonderfully memorable year! – Carla de Oliveira Mother of first grader Lucas de Paula from Emperor Elementary School.
To the editor Did you know most animals taken to a shelter once had a home? Did you know that Monrovia’s contract with the Inland Valley Humane Society ends in June? This is important because Monrovia has a chance to have a contract with San Gabriel Valley. You may think “What is the difference?” The difference is San Gabriel is 5 miles away and Inland Valley is
20 miles. The difference is Inland Valley has the highest kill rate in the state. San Gabriel not so much. Did you know if you are away and your pet goes to the shelter you have just 5 days to get them at Inland Valley? Please make a commitment to your pets and keep them for the rest of their lives. If they have medical issues and you cannot pay there is help. If they have a
behavior issue there are answers. If the cat is feral, you can go to Fixnation. This is free. Please spay or neuter your pet. Please call 626 303 6501 if you would like to sign a petition for Monrovia to have a contract with San Gabriel or if you would like to have people sign petitions yourself. You can also call Monrovia City Hall 626 932 5550and speak to your councilperson.
Dear Editor: Thank you to all agencies from Santa Barbara to San Bernardino ( with the fire assistance) -- and the often overlooked County Corrections inmates who did the dirty work of cleaning up and babysitting hot
spots. Most important that we don't think about is the wildlife that were too small to run or in nests that burned in place. The lucky got out but lost their homes, not to return. And are displaced to other places which are
already owned and will be defended. This is a time of awareness, and give them the same hand you would your neighbor. Laws or no laws. A time for compassion beyond ourselves. Nancy Zach
Dear Editor: Tom Gammill’s choice for his “Doozies” cartoon as an Easter message or inspiration was equivalent to laying an egg. A boy in the family was concerned about the Easter decorations for his home. He settles for T.V. ‘rabbit ears’ as his way of hon-
oring Easter. What was your message Mr. Gammill? Christ’s message to the world was that he loved every single person on this Earth. You are one of us. Was your cartoon your way of saying thank you? There are billions of Christians in this world who
may be persecuted in some countries. Have compassion for your fellow man. Respect if you want to be respected. May I suggest that religion should not be treated with disrespect, even if the cartoonist is an atheist? Peace, Rose Sarkisian