Song It was one of the most touching, most emotional moments of an emotional, celebratory and historic day as the 133rd anniversary of the first presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance was reenacted at the same spot where it was first said at the Twin Lights in Highlands.
Courtney Grogan, music director for Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes parish, music instructor at St. Mary’s New Monmouth, and Highlands resident known for her musical talents and smiling personality, was on the program to sing the Pledge of Allegiance in the program sponsored by the Rev Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus
The Pledge was originally written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy and promoted primarily through his publication, Youth’s Companion to be said in every school every day, before it was said publicly at major events, in Congress and at the Twin Lights. Irving Caesar put the Pledge to music, and the musical version, together with a recitation of the original and current Pledges, were part of the ceremonies at the Twin Lights, with Grogan on the program to sing the song at the close of ceremonies.
When the musical director appeared for her presentation, however, she was not alone. Carrying her infant daughter Annie in her arms,,\ and holding the hand of her primary school-age son, Bennett, Courtney approached the dais, looked up at the flag above the Twin Lights, and began singing.
But she wasn’t alone. Bennett, frequently seen in the choir loft at both churches when his mother is at the organ, enthusiastically accompanied his mother in singing the pledge at the Twin lights, with the duo gaining the praise and applause of the crowd gathered for the ceremony.
After the ceremony, Grogan said Bennett and Annie were not originally in her plans to attend the ceremony with her since she was scheduled for the solo. “But when I was singing it at home that morning, Bennett was singing along with me, said he knew the words and wanted to sing. So here we are!”
song song song song song song
The Pledge was originally written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy and promoted primarily through his publication, Youth’s Companion to be said in every school every day, before it was said publicly at major events, in Congress and at the Twin Lights. Irving Caesar put the Pledge to music, and the musical version, together with a recitation of the original and current Pledges, were part of the ceremonies at the Twin Lights, with Grogan on the program to sing the song at the close of ceremonies.The Pledge was originally written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy and promoted primarily through his publication, Youth’s Companion to be said in every school every day, before it was said publicly at major events, in Congress and at the Twin Lights. Irving Caesar put the Pledge to music, and the musical version, together with a recitation of the original and current Pledges, were part of the ceremonies at the Twin Lights, with Grogan on the program to sing the song at the close of ceremonies.The Pledge was originally written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy and promoted primarily through his publication, Youth’s Companion to be said in every school every day, before it was said publicly at major events, in Congress and at the Twin Lights. Irving Caesar put the Pledge to music, and the musical version, together with a recitation of the original and current Pledges, were part of the ceremonies at the Twin Lights, with Grogan on the program to sing the song at the close of ceremonies.The Pledge was originally written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy and promoted primarily through his publication, Youth’s Companion to be said in every school every day, before it was said publicly at major events, in Congress and at the Twin Lights. Irving Caesar put the Pledge to music, and the musical version, together with a recitation of the original and current Pledges, were part of the ceremonies at the Twin Lights, with Grogan on the program to sing the song at the close of ceremonies.
