
Re:
1. agreed. Fatherland was just a personal preference -- not that I'm a sexist in any way. Plus, it seemed to fit the scene, so to speak. But now that you've mentioned it, I'll probably use 'fellowship' instead of 'fraternally' or 'brother/sisterhood'.
2. I initially intended to include the 'German' part, but I wanted to keep it simple. I mean, this is _the_ German National Anthem, and it would be a little over the top, imo. lol.
3. During my search for this particular word, I came across a few meanings: security (as in a collateral), guarantee, and of course, pledge. The word I base my translation off of is 'key' as in 'the key/way/foundation/principal/source of happiness is unity, law and freedom'. Here are a couple references: Unterpfand1 and Unterpfand2. You're right, however, 'cause according to my favorite online German dictionary, 'unterpfand' does mean 'a/the pledge'.
4. Thanks. (=
I'll place your suggestions into the footnotes. Thank you for your invaluable help, Berliner!
"Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise!"