ONE SYMBOL Barbados was without on November 30, 1966, was the National Pledge.
But since then it has become one of the best known and easily remembered of all the national symbols.
Since April, 1973, when it came into existence, the pledge has been recited by thousands of school children in both our primary and secondary schools every morning as they salute the country.
I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag,
To uphold and defend their honour,
And by my living to do credit
To my nation, wherever I go.
The author of this solemn undertaking of Barbadians to be model citizens, Mr Lester Vaughan, must have to a large degree been reflecting his own feelings when he wrote the words of the pledge.
For like the majority of Barbarians, he has made a solid, but quiet contribution to the island and an impact overseas.
His life has been that of an upstanding citizen, one who has espoused by example the traditional Barbadian qualities.
And the fact that his contributions have been in two areas that made up the foundation on which Barbados has been built, education and the church, mean that his influence in the community has been immeasurable.
At 77, Lester Vaughan, now retired after decades in the teaching service as a teacher and administrator, still plays a role in the church, particularly as an organist in the Anglican Church.
A composer of music and songs, his submission, one of many he entered into the competition, won from 167 entries.
He was presented with the winning award by then Minister of Education, now Prime Minister Erskine Sandiford.
This achievement did not change Vaughan, known for his modesty, service to people and dedication.
This is the edited version of an article was published in 1987 to mark the 21st anniversary of Independence.
