GeneW
05-31-2009, 05:08 PM
A bit of history....
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), a Baptist minister, a Christian socialist, and the cousin of socialist utopian novelist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898). Bellamy's original "Pledge of Allegiance" was published in the September 8th issue of the popular children's magazine The Youth's Companion as part of the National Public-School Celebration of Columbus Day, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America, conceived by James B. Upham.
Bellamy's original Pledge read, "I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
The pledge was supposed to be quick and to the point. Bellamy designed it to be stated in 15 seconds. He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity[citation needed] but decided they were too controversial since many people opposed equal rights for women and blacks.
After a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison, the Pledge was first used in public schools on October 12, 1892 during Columbus Day observances. This date was also significant as it was the dedication day of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Bellamy thought that the pledge itself and the involvement of children across the country would be a fine show of national solidarity.
Here was the so-called "Bellamy Salute". Look familiar?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Pledge_salue.jpg
It should.... Supposedly known as the "Roman Salute" it was used by the Nazis. No evidence exists that Roman soldiers used this gesture.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/Hitler-car.jpg
So the next time someone talks about the "Pledge" consider that it did not exist at the start of the US, in fact it's bit more than half the age of the Republic.
Gene
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), a Baptist minister, a Christian socialist, and the cousin of socialist utopian novelist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898). Bellamy's original "Pledge of Allegiance" was published in the September 8th issue of the popular children's magazine The Youth's Companion as part of the National Public-School Celebration of Columbus Day, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America, conceived by James B. Upham.
Bellamy's original Pledge read, "I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
The pledge was supposed to be quick and to the point. Bellamy designed it to be stated in 15 seconds. He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity[citation needed] but decided they were too controversial since many people opposed equal rights for women and blacks.
After a proclamation by President Benjamin Harrison, the Pledge was first used in public schools on October 12, 1892 during Columbus Day observances. This date was also significant as it was the dedication day of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Bellamy thought that the pledge itself and the involvement of children across the country would be a fine show of national solidarity.
Here was the so-called "Bellamy Salute". Look familiar?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Pledge_salue.jpg
It should.... Supposedly known as the "Roman Salute" it was used by the Nazis. No evidence exists that Roman soldiers used this gesture.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b9/Hitler-car.jpg
So the next time someone talks about the "Pledge" consider that it did not exist at the start of the US, in fact it's bit more than half the age of the Republic.
Gene