The Pledge of Allegiance, written in 1892, is an oath or symbol of loyalty of the Americans towards their flag and country. The original Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy. It was first given wide publicity through the official program of the National Public Schools Celebration of Columbus Day, which was printed in The Youth's Companion of September 8, 1892, and at the same time sent out in leaflet form to schools throughout the country. Reciting the Pledge is not a compulsion but a mark of patriotism to the country. It is an action that symbolizes one's loyalty to the United States of America and the feeling that as an American one is proud to be a part of this country.
Many Americans don't say the Pledge and feel that it's unnecessary even to stand up when the national anthem is being played. They defend themselves by saying that by not reciting the Pledge, they are not being anti-patriotic. On the other hand, some people find the words 'under God' objectionable. Atheists and non-Christian Americans state that they cannot recite 'under God', because its against their beliefs. Another objection states that a democratic republic built on freedom of dissent should not require its citizens to pledge allegiance to it, and that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects one's right to refrain from speaking or standing (also a form of speech). Another objection lies in the fact that the people who are most likely to recite the Pledge every day, small children in schools, cannot really give their consent or even completely understand the Pledge they are taking [note: you can make that argument for any song they learn to sing, anything].
the words of the Pledge of Allegiance reads: 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 meaning of this Pledge is as follows:
- I pledge allegiance - I promise to be true
- to the flag - to the symbol of our country
- of the United States of America - each state that has joined to make our country
- and to the Republic – a republic is a country where the people choose their representatives, to make laws for them, that is the government is for the people
- for which it stands – the flag, meaning the country
- one nation – a single nation
- under God – the people believe in a supreme being
- indivisible – the country cannot be split into parts
- with liberty and justice – with freedom and fairness
- for all – for each person in the country, you and me
There have been many lawsuits across the country involving the recitation and those who feel threatened by it. Should we perhaps replace it with The American's Creed?
The American's Creed
by William Tyler Page
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
–Written 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.
In the words of William Tyler Page, "The American's Creed is a summing up, in one hundred words, of the basic principles of American political faith. It is not an expression of individual opinion upon the obligations and duties of American citizenship or with respect to its rights and privileges. It is a summary of the fundamental principles of American political faith as set forth in its greatest documents, its worthiest traditions and by its greatest leaders."
PK the Bookeemonster
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