A post on another social networking site prompted me to read more about the history of the pledge of allegiance. Here is a summary of my research: The original pledge was written in August of 1982, for use on Columbus Day and in honor of the 400th anniversary of discovery of America. No attribution was given, but one of two possible authors was the Baptist minister and Christian Socialist Francis Bellamy (1855 -1931). It originally read “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Bellamy is said to have opposed the two changes which substituted "the Flag of the United States of America" for “my Flag” and likewise his daughter protested the addition of the words “under God”. Until December 22nd of 1942 the customary and official salute (known as the “Bellamy salute”) used during the pledge began with the right hand lifted, palm downward, aligned with the forehead and close to it. At the words “to my Flag” it was extended, palm upward, toward the Flag and left until the end of the affirmation. Here is a picture of the Bellamy salute, c. 1941:
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 04:47:42 +0000
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