In 1892, Francis Bellamy created the Pledge of Allegiance and had it published in the The Youth’s Companion. It was written in celebration for the 400th year after America’s discovery. In the world of today, every morning, students of public schools are required to recite the Pledge in accordance to their support for the nation. Although, Bellamy’s original work differs from current students’ daily recitations.

Bellamy originally wrote, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” 

Clearly, alterations were made in the poem. However the changes caused the modern pledge to tie being loyal to the country with religion, which goes against the ideology of atheism.

Bellamy had been a socialist advocate who wrote the pledge for anyone in the country, no matter their religion or background, despite being a minister. The word “God” was added in 1954 by President Eisenhower who wanted to discontinue the track of what he called, “A Godless nation.”

What can a few noncommittal words to a flag really affect?

The changes within the pledge do not follow the First Amendment’s separation of church and state, but the inclusion of the “under God” phrase, according to multiple state courts, does not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The rationale for that decision is that the pledge is a patriotic exercise, not a religious one, and therefore, it cannot be compared to a prayer in public schools. Nevertheless, promoting a religion in a public school is an unconstitutional act.

While there are no legal ramifications that can compel students to take part in the pledge, those who do not take part are often scrutinized as un-American. The pledge equates being a patriot to having a belief in God, which causes conflict among many non-believers or those who practice religions other than Christianity.

What about those in grades below high school? Children in elementary schools are reciting something that they most likely do not understand. The words are ingrained into children’s heads and they may not realize that it goes against their beliefs until they enter high school.

It’s disrespectful to atheists or other non-Christians who live in this country. Freedom has always been a core value that is used to differentiate America from other nations. However, the pledge disrespects the idea of freedom and disregards the diverse belief systems that make up America.

While the future holds no promise to remove or alter the pledge, the bottom line is that Americans at Westford Academy and beyond need to think about the power of words and how to work towards respect for everyone.