“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." ~ Psalm 33:12
It's not part of the Constitution, nor does it establish a
state religion. It wasn’t originally even a product of government legislation. By
all accounts, it was a marketing gimmick by a clever sloganeer to sell more U.S.
flags.
Before classes began on
the morning of October 21, 1892, children at schools across the country rose to
their feet, faced a newly installed American flag, and, for the first time,
recited these 22 words written by a man few people knew.
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for
which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all."
It was hastily written in 1892 by Baptist Minister Francis
Bellamy, an advertising salesman for the “The Youth’s Companion,” (1827–1929), America’s largest children’s
magazine. Its early issues encouraged "virtue and piety,” and warned
against “the ways of transgression".
Bellamy launched into his mission with evangelical passion.
To induce schools to purchase Old Glory, he proposed his “Pledge of
Allegiance” be recited by all students at the start of every day.
The gimmick worked.
On October 21, 1892, millions of kids kickstarted their day by reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance.” They stood erect giving the traditional Roman salute. The magazine sold thousands more flags.
By the 1920s, Italian Fascists and later German Nazis
embraced the same Roman salute, but with more menacing intent. So, when the
U.S. entered World War II, Congress amended the Flag Code to require the “Pledge”
be recited by facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
In response to the Communist threat, President Eisenhower in
1954 encouraged Congress to add the words "under God" as it reads
today:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The additional two words were added to “reaffirm America's
transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future” and
“strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most
powerful resource in peace and war.”
Today, all but three states (Wyoming, Vermont, and Hawaii) require
the “Pledge of Allegiance” be recited in public schools, with varying
exemptions for students or staff who wish to opt out.
Despite Monday’s national holiday being overshadowed by the
President’s Inauguration, we must never forget the life, leadership, and inspiration
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Raised in a family of faith, he strived to be a
minister of God’s Word. Dr. King believed that love, even love of enemies, was
the only way to achieve victory over hate, violence, and injustice.
Father God, help us remain hopeful and
optimistic about our country’s future. Guide our leaders with faith,
generosity, wisdom, and courage. God Bless the USA! Amen
