The Gazette. Learn something new today and every day.

How the Pledge of Allegiance has evolved

The Gazette Opinion Staff

Jun. 17, 2011 11:43 am

The original Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy in 1892, states: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Bellamy was a former Baptist minister who preached Christian socialism, expressing his belief that all were free and equal. It is interesting to note that his strong beliefs in equality and personal freedom led him to specifically omit any reference to a deity in the pledge. Special-interest lobbying led to adding “of the United States of America” (American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution) in 1923 and “under God” (Knights of Columbus) in 1954.

Caroline Kipp-Sutliff

Iowa City

Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com