A long time ago, in 1855, a man named Francis Bellamy, was born in New York. Bellamy was a socialist minister who wrote, “The Pledge of Allegiance” in 1892. It was published that same year in, The Youth’s Companion, on September 8. Bellamy firmly believed in the strict separation of church and state. Bellamy intended for “The Pledge of Allegiance” to be utilized by citizens of any country. Was the author’s true vision highjacked by hearsay to push patriotism or nativism as America’s ambition for the flag to fly over? Americans must accept our history is plagued with hate, we must learn from it and stop trying to deny it or to negate. Otherwise we end up in stupid misery, saying, “involuntary relocation” instead of slavery.
Originally, the pledge read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” With one’s right arm extended toward the flag, palm up, known as the Bellamy salute, one would recite the pledge. Later, the salute was far too close a resemblance to the Nazi salute, so it was modified, keeping the right hand over the heart.
Modifications continued, and in 1923, the words, “the Flag of the United States of America,” were added. Then came the ultimate alteration in 1954, as President Eisenhower requested that Congress add, “under God,” to the pledge, in an attempt to fight godless Communism in America.
And to this day, we say, “under God,” without hesitation or delay. But, we don’t need one specific God to huddle under. We are still one nation, our pledge will still matter, even if God is taken out of the homogenized mixing batter.