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The '''Pledge of Allegiance''' is a traditional oath of loyalty often recited in the United States of America.  It was written in 1892 by [[Francis Bellamy]], a Baptist minister and socialist.

The '''Pledge of Allegiance''' is a traditional oath of loyalty often recited in the United States of America.  It was written in 1892 by [[Francis Bellamy]], a Baptist minister and socialist.

In the United States, the '''Pledge of Allegiance''' is recited on many formal occasions, including at the beginning of the [[school]] day, and the opening of certain kinds of meetings.  When the Pledge is recited, civilians face the [[American flag|Flag]] and place their right hands over their hearts. Men remove any non-religious headdress and hold it in the right hand. Military personnel in uniform remain silent and salute the flag. Under many public circumstances, in a display of patriotism, the Pledge will be followed with the singing of "[[America the Beautiful]]" and the [[National Anthem]], "[[The Stars and Stripes Forever]]".

In the United States, the '''Pledge of Allegiance''' is recited on many formal occasions, including at the beginning of the [[school]] day, and the opening of certain kinds of meetings.  When the Pledge is recited, civilians face the [[American flag|Flag]] and place their right hands over their hearts. Men remove any non-religious headdress and hold it in the right hand. Military personnel in uniform remain silent and salute the flag. Under many public circumstances, in a display of patriotism, the Pledge will be followed with the singing of "[[America the Beautiful]]," the [[National Anthem]], or "[[The Stars and Stripes Forever]]".

The phrase "under God" was added in 1954, by a bill signed into law by President Eisenhower on June 14, 1954 ([[Flag Day]]), largely driven by the lobbying of the [[Knights of Columbus]], as a means of differentiating America from the "godless" Communists of the USSR.  The phrase has been the source of some controversy, as self-professed atheist Michael Newdow has argued the matter in a case involving his daughter before the U.S. Supreme Court.  The case was dismissed because Newdow, a noncustodial parent, lacked standing in the matter.

The phrase "under God" was added in 1954, by a bill signed into law by President Eisenhower on June 14, 1954 ([[Flag Day]]), largely driven by the lobbying of the [[Knights of Columbus]], as a means of differentiating America from the "godless" Communists of the USSR.  The phrase has been the source of some controversy, as self-professed atheist Michael Newdow has argued the matter in a case involving his daughter before the U.S. Supreme Court.  The case was dismissed because Newdow, a noncustodial parent, lacked standing in the matter.