As a Boy Scout leader, I publicly pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. It is a pledge I take very seriously, solemnly and reverently. I am proud to wear the flag on my uniform and genuinely, albeit imperfectly, try to live up to the national ideals symbolized by that flag. However, my allegiance to my nation is not absolute; not unconditional.
I am a Christian; therefore my allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ supersedes my allegiance to my nation.
I am a human being; therefore my allegiance to my fellow human beings, regardless of their national origin, race, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation or taste in music, supersedes my allegiance to my nation.
I am a child of the Earth; therefore, my allegiance to the global community supersedes my allegiance to my nation.
In order to receive the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge. According to the Boy Scouts of America, “Scouts who earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge will discover that they are already citizens of the world. How good a world citizen each person is depends on his willingness to understand and appreciate the values, traditions, and concerns of people in other countries.”
There can be no peace, no world community, no real brother and sisterhood as long as we define ourselves first as citizens of our own nation. We become good citizens of our own nation by first being good citizens of the world.
Keith Kondrich
Swisshelm Park