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"He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country." quotes a writer from a speech of John McCain's.

Senator McCain did NOT say pledge to a nation that is "under God." The import was pledging to symbol and nation.

Is this an oath that was written by men at war? Was it created by person or persons who wanted to make a declaration to the world? Did we need a set allegiance of our professed values lest we forget them; liberty and justice for all?

On September 8, 1892 a Boston-based youth magazine "The Youth's Companion" published a 22-word recitation for school children to use during planned activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America.

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible,With Liberty and Justice for all." October 11, 1892

"My flag" might be misunderstood by many immigrants so it was changed to:

"I pledge allegiance to my the Flag of the United States,and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."
June 14, 1923.

Further nation clarification occurred when it was changed again a year later to:

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,and to the Republic for which it stands:one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."
June 14, 1924

Dwight D. Eisenhower made the next change in 1954, adding "Under God", stating, "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 and war."

That was a beautiful expression of the President's Faith and those who lobbied him to make the change.

It was and is not, however, American.

It is Iranian, Afghani, Iraqi, and other countries stated reasons for hiding its women in Burkas, imprisoning its citizens for not following the Faith the way the government has decreed it to be followed, for calling for Jihad against those whom they call 'infidels'.

This is not just a country of believers, It is a nation of all, believers, doubters, and atheists. It is a state where all are to be accepted, acknowledged and free - in thought, belief and behavior.

"Under God" belies that strength of this nation.

Mr. McCain was right. It is important to pledge our allegiance "to our flag and country"

He did not say, but he should have, that it is our personal right within our home, family, and Houses of Worship to pledge or not our allegiance to a God.

Pledges copied from and other source material found at:
http://www.homeofheroes.com /hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/1 bfc_pledge.html

Learn more about this author, Carol Levy.
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