Supporters of the Pledge Gather for Prayer Vigil

Pledge of Allegiance supporters gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building last night from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. for a prayer vigil in hope to influence the outcome of today’s court hearing in the morning, involving Newdow v. Congress case. The case will resolve the constitutionality of the phrase “under God” in the pledge. A press conference will be held Wednesday morning at 9:00, followed by a rally, after the oral arguments before the justices are scheduled to begin.

______________________________________

History of Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was written by socialist editor and clergyman Francis Bellamy. It was first published in 1892 in The Youth's Companion, a children's magazine where Bellamy worked.

After a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison, the pledge made its debut in public schools on Oct. 12, 1892, during Columbus Day observances.

The original wording was: "I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The pledge has been changed a few times since. For Flag Day in 1924, "the flag of the United States of America" was officially adopted as a substitution for the phrase "my flag."

In 1954, the words "under God" were added, after a campaign by the Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic organization, and other religious leaders who sermonized that the pledge needed to be distinguished from similar orations used by "godless communists."

The prospect of atomic war between world superpowers so moved President Eisenhower that he directed Congress to add the words. Congress did so in 1954, and that version is used 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."

Source: The Associated Press

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.