Pledge Of Allegiance Tradition Takes On Special Meaning
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Parades, barbecues and fireworks are all part of Maryland's Fourth of July celebration.
There's also a tradition in Annapolis.
Ron Matz reports it actually happens every day, but takes special meaning as we celebrate America's independence.
It's a star-spangled holiday. The stars and stripes are everywhere in Maryland.
At Chick and Ruth's Delly in Annapolis, they recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. It's a tradition that Ted Levitt's dad, Chick Levitt, began 22 years ago.
"In 1989 my dad and I started talking about it. He asked a couple of customers what they thought about it. They said they thought it would be a great idea. The next day we started doing it and we haven't missed a day since," said Ted Levitt.
Bob Larson was born on the Fourth of July. He's always there for the pledge.
"I bleed red, white and blue. My father died in World War II. I get my day started at the delly by saying the pledge, guaranteed to get my day started off right. I love doing it," said Larson, an Annapolis resident who recites the pledge at Chick & Ruth's Delly.
"Because we're near the Naval Academy, we see a lot of different people from around the world. Families come in from around the country and everyone just seems to love it," said Ted Levitt.
It's a welcome way to start the day in our state capital, especially on this day of independence.
"It never ceases to amaze me--the warm feelings you get after it's all over and how happy the patrons are that we do this every day," said Beth Levitt.
Chick & Ruth's Delly opened its doors in 1965. The pledge is said every morning at 8:30.
