“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.”
When was the last time you stood up, placed your hand over your heart (or saluted, military style) and recited the above pledge?
Government schools start the day with the pledge (as well as many school events).
Many sporting events start with the pledge.
Court sessions may start with the pledge.
Congressional sessions open with the pledge.
Local government meetings – city and county council, planning commission, etc. – usually start with the pledge.
Political meetings often start with the pledge.
Why do we do this and what does it mean? In fact, where did the pledge of allegiance come from? Let’s start with a little history of the pledge.
Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge in 1892. Bellamy was the cousin of author Edward Bellamy. Edward Bellamy wrote a best selling book titled Looking Backward from 2000 to 1887 which was published in 1888. Looking Backward was published in every major language of the day. It is the story of Julian West, a man who wakes up in the year 2000 from a hypnotic trance (he was in the trance since 1887) to find himself in a socialist society – a military socialist government. Edward Bellamy considered this a utopian society. Edward and his writings influenced his cousin who agreed that a military socialist government would be a better world then the ‘inequities’ of a country with freedom and liberty at its root.
Both of the Bellamys felt that the government should run the schools. This is something that was starting to happen. Schools were not and are not a part of the federal government’s responsibility. Neither schools nor education are even mentioned in the Constitution. However, some (probably most) of the state constitutions take on the responsibility of providing education for the children of said state. But that is another topic.
Francis Bellamy was involved in the October 12, 1892, Columbus Day celebration, This was the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of America. James Upham was an employee of a Boston publishing firm which published “The Youth’s Companion” magazine. Upham’s uncle, Daniel Ford, was the owner and editor. This was one of the most widely distributed magazines of the era. It was in this magazine that the Pledge of Allegiance was first printed (on September 8, 1892). Ford claimed that Upham (and the staff of the magazine) wrote the pledge while Francis Bellamy claimed credit for it. I have found no proof to back either side, however, my inclination is to believe Bellamy was the author of the pledge.
Author or not, Bellamy promoted that the pledge should be recited in schools every morning. “The Youth’s Companion” agreed with the concept and also promoted it. It was first recited in schools on October 12 for the Columbus Day celebration. It then became a daily ritual in the schools throughout the country. Bellamy, being the socialist that he was, wanted the children to pledge allegiance to the government (as represented by the flag). He wanted them to acquire a loyalty to the flag (thus also to the government) so it would be second nature for them to accept any and all edicts of the government without question. (more…)