My daughter Libby Martinez and I wrote I Pledge Allegiance, inspired by our aunt Ygnacia Delgado, whom my siblings and I (and our children) called Lobo. In this book, Libby asks Lobo why she wants to be a citizen. Lobo answers, “The American flag–red, white, and blue–wrapped itself around me to protect me…The flag made me feel…(s)afe and warm.” May we strive to live up to the ideals of our country. Happy 4th of July!

Pat

Illustration from I Pledge Allegiance by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez. Click to see larger image.