The “Pledge of Allegiance” was first published in 1892 by a Baptist minister who strongly believed in the social gospel and, it was widely recited in schools soon thereafter.

The original words were:
I Pledge Allegiance to MY flag,
And to the Republic for which it stands,
One nation, indivisible,
With equality, liberty, and justice for all.

It has been amended several times, the most recent revision coming in 1954 with the addition of the phrase “under God” following the words “one nation.”

As I am sure you know, the Knights of Columbus was instrumental in bringing this revision about.

At the Supreme Convention in August, 1952, the Supreme Council adopted a resolution to add the words to the Pledge and copies were sent to President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, and the Speaker of the House.

The following year, the Knights again passed a resolution, and again sent copies to the President, Vice President and Speaker of the House. But this time they also sent copies to members of BOTH houses of Congress. From that action, 17 resolutions were introduced in the House of Representatives to amend the Pledge. A resolution was also adopted by both Houses of Congress, and it was signed into law by President Eisenhower on June 14, 1954

This amendment also grew out of a desire to include a reference to Deity in keeping with the beliefs of America’s founding fathers. The phrase “under God” was also chosen because Abraham Lincoln reportedly used the expression, “this Nation under God,” in his immortal “Gettysburg Address.” For 50 years, students in schools all over America have recited the pledge with the words “under God.” Now those words are under legal attack.

William J. Murray, son of famed atheist, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, contends in his latest book, The Pledge: One Nation Under God, that atheistic forces, spearheaded by the ACLU and Michael Newdow, are engaging in a religious cleansing of American society. These forces seek to replace faith in God with an atheistic, secularist, and heartless philosophy that has no respect for the belief that the human race is God’s creation. Murray outlines the history of early-American settlers and their overall reliance upon God in every phase of life.

We, as Knights of Columbus and as American Citizens, must do all we can to keep the words “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. One way is to fly the pennant the State Council is selling. Fly them at your home, or place of business. Take one to a Town Council meeting and at the end of the night, when the audience is allowed to ask questions, seize the moment and ask the Town Council, or if he is in attendance, ask the Mayor to fly this pennant outside of Town Hall.  Write the words on envelopes when you mail something.

I have spoken to State Deputy Tom Ciborski about holding a rally in Trenton on June 14, Flag Day, the 54^th anniversary of the signing of this revision into law by the President. I am looking into getting the permits to hold a public rally like the one that is done for Roe vs Wade. More information on this will be available on the State Council website as we get closer.

This is a program that the whole family can come out and support. Bring your friends out also. Imagine how proud your children will be to be a part of this cause to keep God in the Pledge, where He belongs.

This is not a Catholic Issue, this is a human issue, this is an American issue. I know I can count on your help on this matter. Please check out the New Jersey State Council website for the details when they are available.