For You, My Hero

A Journey Through the Heart of America-One Line at a Time.

In For You, My Hero (2nd Edition), author Lisa Malooly takes readers on an extraordinary personal and historical journey that re-examines the Pledge of Allegiance-line by line-with fresh eyes, humor, reverence, and a deep desire to understand what it truly means to be American. Through the lens of each phrase in the Pledge, Malooly dissects the core values of liberty, unity, justice, and faith, exploring how these ideals have evolved, been tested, and redefined across generations.

Born and raised in Texas and deeply rooted in small-town values, Lisa Malooly grew up reciting the Pledge in school without grasping its full meaning-until a moment of profound realization after 9/11 awakened her sense of patriotism. That moment gave rise to this book: a blend of memoir, historical storytelling, cultural commentary, and civic reflection.

This second edition includes updated historical insights, deeper philosophical connections, and a more vibrant call to civic understanding and unity in today's divided world.

Each chapter unpacks a single phrase from the Pledge of Allegiance, such as:

• "I pledge allegiance"-What does it mean to pledge in an age of skepticism?
• "To the flag"-A look at flag etiquette, symbolism, and the untold story behind its evolution.
• "Of the United States of America"-Exploring the melting pot of cultures, hyphenated identities, and the Oath of Allegiance.
• "Under God"-A candid reflection on faith, freedom, and America's spiritual roots.
• "With liberty and justice for all"-A powerful, sometimes painful, examination of the nation's pursuit of equality.

From anecdotes of misheard lyrics in the national anthem ("dawnzerly light"), to comparing presidential inaugural speeches from George Washington to George W. Bush, Malooly uses wit and wisdom to make history accessible and deeply personal. The book revisits pivotal moments-from the birth of the Constitution to the making of "The Star-Spangled Banner," from Betsy Ross's needle to Bob Heft's high school flag design that became a national symbol.

Along the way, she shares hidden gems of history:

• Why the turkey almost became our national bird.
• What the thirteen folds of the American flag represent during a military funeral.
• How doughnuts became a symbol of democracy in war zones.
• The real story behind the 9/11 flag and how it mysteriously resurfaced.
• Why the Founding Fathers considered the U.S. a republic, not a democracy.

But this book is more than just a history lesson.