In 1892 Francis Bellamy, a Baptist Minister and Christian socialist created the Pledge of Allegiance.
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed that it would be used on October 12, 1892, Columbus Day, in public schools. Since that time the words have been changed four times to the current version from 1954.
"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 pledge was originally accompanied by the Bellamy salute. The Bellamy salute had the arm outstretched with the palm upwards. It changed so that the palm was downwards after some time. However, with the advent of WWII, the similarity between the pledge and the Nazi salute led many to be uncomfortable.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the hand over the heart salute that is so familiar today. Officially the removal of the Bellamy salute occurred on December 22nd 1942 when congress amended the Flag Code.
-Professor Walter
When they amended the flag code, they should have amended the constitution and changed the gun laws.
Posted by: Olivia | 12/14/2009 at 07:14 AM
*tsk tsk* The right to bear arms is a very good one -- it's just poorly followed through. But I would never, ever, want to give it up. It's there for some darn good reasons.
Posted by: The Wife | 12/23/2009 at 09:09 AM