Monday, February 23

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 107:1

The quoted communication that follows came from the Office of Oliver Bolton during the time he was campaigning to be elected to the Congress from the District that included Willoughby, Ohio near Cleveland in about November 1, 1964. My mother was given this important card and as was her customary habit, she dated it and saved it for us in her memorable collection of interesting events.

History of the Pledge

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States first came into widespread usage and acceptance on Columbus Day, 1892. In the 77th Congress, its official recognition was granted when Congress codified all rules and customs pertaining to the display and use of our Flag. Then in 1954, the words “under God” were added to the Pledge by the Congress. At this moment in history, when the principles underlying our American way of life are under attack by materialistic Communism, it is well to recall why Congress made that addition. In the year 1620, the Mayflower Compact, a document which contained the first constitution in America for complete self-government, declared in the opening sentence “In the name of God. Amen.” On July 4, 1776, our Founding Fathers proclaimed our Declaration of Independence which no less than four times refers to the existence of the Creator. It was during the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln that Congress directed that the inscription “in God we trust” be placed on our coins.

Unification

With this in mind, ten years ago several Congressmen and Senators suggested legislation adding the phrase “under God” to our Pledge. Congressman Bolton, however, was the first to ask that there be no comma separating “one Nation” from “under God” and the Congress adopted his version.

Thus when the pledge is recited, it should be remembered that nothing stands between our Nation and our God, and no pause should occur at this point in its recitation.

As can be noticed in the time since then up to the present, the wording and meaning of this Pledge continues to be an important focus to us all. It has been said since the Knights of Columbus in 1954 made this change, the Pledge of Allegiance became both a patriotic oath and a public prayer. . . . . . and the people say “Amen.”

Dear God, we give thanks to you for all your abundant blessings. Amen

 Carol Morrill