Every student who has ever attended a public school in America has done at least one thing in common, the Pledge of Allegiance. Ever since its creation in 1892 by Francis Bellamy it has been recited countless times. The only difference is that until 1923 the Pledge read, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This original copy as you may realize is far different from the one which we recite today. When Bellamy first wrote the Pledge of Allegiance it was for a magazine contest. He scribed this sentence and a flag code that for it that was made to be applicable in all countries that followed these ideals. However, in 1923 the first alterations were made making the Pledge specific to America. Then in the 1930’s the flag code was changed because the right armed salute it called for resembled that of the Nazi Party’s. The final and most controversial change was made in 1954 though. Almost a decade after the conclusion of WWII, communism became to be the new foe of the Western powers. With communism comes Atheism as religion is completely non-existent in Government and outruled. Eisenhower made the executive decision to add the phrase “under God” during the height of the red scare and satisfied the public.
https://magic.piktochart.com/output/11355135-under-god
Today though with Atheism only increasing people are questioning the legality of these two words. Many know the first amendment to exclude religion from government entirely. However, like every other amendment the 1st holds grey area that has been and will be interpreted in various ways. The argument that “Under God” supporters use is that of the Establishment clause which reads,“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”. This clause as supporters say allows the government to use the word God because it respects no one religion. Whether you are Islamic, Jewish, Christian, or any other Monotheistic religion you believe in a “God”. However, it excludes that one giant growing belief of atheism. Even with this growth it really seems as though the phrase is here to stay. In 2002 the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled the phrase “under god” as a violation to the establishment clause. This case was then taken to the supreme court and finally ruled it as constitutional in 2004. So it really seems as though its gonna stay, but you can still petition it.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/edit-pledge-allegiance-remove-phrase-under-god
The Pledge of Allegiance “Under God”: Guest Editorial by Ian Tallman
Read Time:2 Minute, 11 Second