|
*This entry can also be located on my side bar under "Audio
Library". It is titled "under God..." and is located about 3/4
down the list...simply click on it. Please pray for our nation,
for our children and for those who are called to make these decisions
within our democracy.
The original Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis
Bellamy, and it read simply this, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and
the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all." In 1923-24 the words "my flag" were changed
to "the Flag of the United States of America" to Bellamy's
dismay. In 1954 the words "under God" were added as a result of a
Knights of Columbus campaign. In 2002 The 9th Circuit U.S. Court
ruling determined that the words "under God" are in violation of the
First Amendment. In 2005 a federal appeals court ruled that
reciting the Pledge in public schools is an unconstitutional
"endorsement of religion" because of the phrase "under God". The
9th Circuit Court decision will effect the following nine states that
fall under its jurisdiction: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii,
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Displaying
the flag at half staff is a symbol of respect and a sign of loss.
The Pledge of Allegiance lost more than two words on September 14,
2005. It lost a legacy and an admission to our dependency upon a
higher Power. The flag is a representation of our nation
and its flight at half mast a sign of the loss of something we
respect. I can't think of a more appropriate day to have
displayed our mourning.
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.
© Victoria Sheahan, 2005
|
