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Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, I witnessed many special moments on television. I can still remember the transition from black and white televisions to color. Shows were only available on the “big three” networks as cable offerings wouldn’t arrive for several years.
One of my family’s favorite shows was “The Red Skelton Show.” The show will always remain a classic with the honest and genuine humor (nothing ever offended the viewers). Red Skelton was the consummate professional, and his authentic enthusiasm for entertaining America was present in every show.
At the end of each show, Skelton paid honor and appreciation to his television audience with the simple words, “Goodnight and may God Bless.”
A recent posting of a YouTube video reminded me of the deep patriotism of Red Skelton. I cannot remember seeing this segment so it was a treasure to view. Enjoy Skelton’s serious and throughtful interpretation of the “Pledge of Allegiance” from one of his shows back in 1969. The man clearly loved and cared about America.
Big Sky Buckeye 
I always enjoyed Red Skelton. I still remember our family’s first tv. It had a 12″ screen and was in a cabinet on legs. Before programming began in the morning (I think at 7 a.m.) we’d sit and watch the test pattern!
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I appreciate you sharing these thoughts. I can remember watching “Bonanza” on my grandparents new color television. Our black and white set at home couldn’t compare to seeing the NBC peacock in living color.
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My Mom and Dad loved Red Skelton. My Mom sent me that video awhile back. Such a moving speech that every American should here, especially now. I grew up watching reruns of old shows. My Dad loved The Rifleman and Bonanza and my Mom loved The Andy Griffith Show and The Walton’s (Good night Jim Bob). 🙂 I also watched Leave It To Beaver and The Beverley Hillbillies. 🙂 I love those old shows when men were men and women were women and everyone loved their country. TV is so sinful and filthy now all I can watch is Hallmark, the Weather Channel, and the Outdoor and Sportsman Channels. Mainstream TV has nothing good to offer anymore. I love when the guys on the outdoor shows give Jesus praise and say prayers. Good wholesome TV. God bless sir!
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Ryan, I appreciate your thoughts. I find myself drawn to older TV series where wonderful memories still live on in reruns.
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I always enjoyed watching Red Skelton with my family as a child. His humor was so funny and also clean. Sad that there is such a lack of clean entertainment now.
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I agree. Red Skelton was a creative genius with his show. At least we can find and enjoy short clips of his work.
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Red Skelton was one of my family’s favorites. I saw this particular show back in the 60’s – I think it may have been earlier than ’69. I think it so poignant in today’s world. There is a movement by a few misguided folks to try to take “Under God” out of our pledge. Yes, wouldn’t that be a pity??
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I have received several comments from others who watched Red Skelton back in the day. Amazingly, “under God” was added to the Pledge in 1954, only a few decades ago. I agree with you, those words need to remain.
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That was powerful; wow that was in 1969!
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I had never seen the clip before. I had a similar feeling after viewing it, and then decided to share it with others.
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Glad you shared it brother
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We watched these shows as well. If you have Amazon Prime you can watch videos of the old shows there at no cost!
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John, thank you for sharing the tip. I have Amazon Prime so I need to investigate more.
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I love that the have the old shows, including Carol Burnett and even Perry Mason! Oh, and The Honeymooners too!
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We definitely have some similar tastes from television land . . . Perry Mason and the Honeymooners. I also have a passion for older films from the 1930s into the 1960s.
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that was great; I was wondering why he first mentioned 48 states, and then skipped saying “under God” when he recited the Pledge. At first, I was wondering how old is Red Skelton?! thanks for sharing.
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Jim, I appreciate your reading and sharing some thoughts. Being a comedian, Red Skelton used his diverse skills to bring a genuine edge to his presentation. He treats the Pledge and America with reverence.
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reverence is the perfect word…
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How moving! This public school teacher needs God everyday. Thanks for sharing.
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Crystal, you are quite welcome. After watching this video, I just had to share it. Hope all is well with you.
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I can see why. Happy Thanksgiving!
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I remember my grandmother being afraid that the color television might do something to our eyes. I also remember Red Skelton being on television but I didn’t watch him.
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Cheryl, I appreciate you reading and sharing. I can remember my grandparents who had a color television before my parents bought one. We would drive over to their house to watch “Bonanza” on their new set, and the NBC peacock never looked so brilliant.
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