The Pledge of Allegiance – as children many of us recited this daily in school. As adults many have forgotten about this patriotic pledge. The Knights of Columbus, however, have not! What you may not have realized is that the words one nation “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance by faithful Catholic men by way of the fraternal organization known as the Knights of Columbus. Although the Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal organization the fundamental of patriotism is an inherent part of the Knight’s vision.
In the early days of a young United States of America our first President addressed the nation during his farewell address as follows:
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. … What ever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” – George Washington – 1796*
The Knights of Columbus recognized that the Pledge of Allegiance is a “fundamentally patriotic exercise, not a religious one.”* Recognizing the fundamental role of religion, especially Christianity, in sustaining a morally sound nation the Knights sought to include the words “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance in August of 1952. This was at least partly inspired by words written by Abraham Lincoln himself on September 19th, 1863.
“we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln 1863**
Support for the addition of “under God” was bolstered by Reverend George M. Docherty (as Presbyterian minister) who delivered a sermon in Washington, D.C. while then President Eisenhower was in attendance. He declared the following:
“To omit the words ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance is to omit the definitive character of the American way of life.” – Rev. George M. Docherty 1954**
It would be that President Eisenhower signed a congresional resolution that amended the Pledge of Allegiance to thence force include the words “under God” on June 14th, 1954. Ever since the Knights of Columbus, along with individual families and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, would champion the cause of protecting this Pledge of Allegiance against legal assault.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which is stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” – Pledge of Allegiance as defined by Congress June 14th, 1954.
Source Information:
*Statements quoted from Knights of Columbus – Columbia Magazine June 2014 Issue p12
**Statements quoted from Knights of Columbus – Columbia Magazine June 2014 Issue p10
