The Pledge of Allegiance

“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.”

Americans honour and respect their flag. When students say the Plede of Allegiance before school starts they must put their right hand over their heart. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855–1931) and was formally adopted by Congress in 1942. It has been modified four times since its composition. Congress added the words "under God" in 1954 due to the red scare over the Soviet Union.

1892

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

1892 to 1922

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

1923 

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States, and to the republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."

1924 to 1954

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United Statesof America, and to the republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."


1954 to Present

"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."

Some might argue that it is a nationalistic slogan. Evidently, it is an emotional appeal to patriotism which may not be to everybody’s liking, but I am aware that children in the United States are not forced to proclaim vocally their allegiance. It is also a sign, perhaps, that the United States is still a “new” country, for in older countries like Portugal, there is no need to make such pledges.

Now an unidentified family of a student at a school in suburban Boston, has filed a lawsuit against the phrase ”under God” saying it violates the Equal Rights Amendment of the Massachusetts Constitution. It is the first such case to be tried on the state level: All previous attempts have been argued in federal court on the grounds that "under God" was an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state.

How will this end up?

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/09/09/fox-news-host-atheists-dont-have-to-live-here/?sr=fb091013foxatheist12p