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• The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States was written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 and did not include the words "Under God." Those words were not included in the pledge until President Eisenhower amended it in 1954.

• Fast Facts:

  1. Written in 1892
  2. Recognized by Congress: December 28, 1945
  3. "Under God" added in 1954
  4. Brought to Supreme Court regarding "Under God"
  5. Some states have pledges for their state flag

• The Pledge of Allegiance

  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.

• Origins

  The pledge of allegiance was created by Francis Bellamy in 1892. His original words did not include the phrase "Under God." He had thought of using the word "equality" but decided against it in order to avoid antagonizing those who did not believe in equal rights for Blacks and women. By decree of President Benjamin Harrison, the pledge became an official part of the school curriculum on Columbus Day.

• Controversy

  The words "Under God" were allowed into the pledge by order of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, and the issue was raised in front of the Supreme Court in 2002. The court ruled in favor of those who wished not to say the phrase, finding it unconstitutional.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Michael Newdow | United States

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