ATTACKS on recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as the ceremonial singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” continue in America. This is nothing new, but some people are just rubbed the wrong way by public expressions of patriotism.
The flag pledge, recited daily by millions of schoolchildren and others at civic events, has had to survive legal challenges to the “under God” clause. Those words were officially added to the pledge more than 60 years ago by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
This is what Ike said after signing the change it into law:
“From this day forward, the millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty. …In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource, in peace or in war.”
via Public expressions of patriotism rub some people wrong way by | News OK.
