"Pledging allegiance" to the flag, as expressed in this quote, is a short step away from worshiping it, as some Americans already do. I'm not religious, but I'll still point out that such overblown reverence amounts to idolatry, which god condemns. The flag is a piece of cloth, no more and no less.

A lovely sentiment -- too bad it's never been true in practice.

This is blatant hogwash. Throughout history, with the exception of those living through a real political revolution (relatively few!), people living under tyrannical governments haven't had the remotest chance to change their circumstances. Not only is this quote untrue, it also "blames the victim" -- they'd be free if they really wanted to be! I find it sickening.

A sleek and lovely epigram, and the best quote ever about patriotism.

REALLY BAD quote. After all, the 2 (mourning & thanking) aren't mutually exclusive.

I don't even UNDERSTAND this one. I can think of numerous exceptions to it. At best, it doesn't really say much.