Comedian Red Skelton Explains the Pledge of Allegiance-Truth!
Summary of eRumor:
A forwarded email with either a video attachment or a YouTube link of comedian Red Skelton explaining the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Truth:
In 1969, Red Skelton demonstrated on his CBS Television program how a teacher gave a word by word explanation of the Pledge of Allegiance, according to the official Red Skelton web site. Skelton said that he learned this in 1923 when he was a boy after his teacher commented that a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by his class had been monotonous.
Red Skeleton (1913-1997) was a popular and multi-talented entertainer who began his career in radio in 1937. He appeared in 38 films and after the advent of the television became a Tuesday night staple to home viewers in 1951, first on NBC and later CBS. His evening comedy and variety television program ran nearly 20 years. Skelton was accomplished in the art of pantomime and known for various characters including a hobo named Freddie the Freeloader and country bumpkin Clem Kadiddlehopper.
At the end of every show the comedian would bid his viewers goodnight and follow with his signature closing of “and may God Bless.”
After his television career ended Skelton spent much of his time doing what he loved the most, painting images of clowns. His paintings have become collectors items.
There is an official Red Skelton website where more information on the entertainer’s legacy and art can be found. Click for Red Skelton Web Site
Below is the video clip as seen on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LPbIls0iOnI
updated 09/27/09