The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic oath expressing loyalty to the American flag and the United States of America, traditionally recited in schools and at civic ceremonies. It was originally written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 and has undergone several revisions, with the most recent change adding “under God” in 1954.” Wikipedia 2026

I’m proud to be an American, but with less certainty. God does not create nations, people do, and we created a nation to represent all of our citizens. All of our citizens born with certain inalienable rights, the existence of God not included among them.

The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance – prior to 1954: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

Being born in and becoming an United States Citizen is not meant to be subject to religious interpretation. All of us are equally represented under the United States Constitution and that makes our nation strong.

Then religion brought us, via groups of Evangelical Radicals, the likes of our current Governmental Administration. Oaths taken “under God” only serve to divide our nation. The “under God” slogan included in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance and printed on US currency carries no oaths to be taught in public schools and carried in civic ceremonies.

Sincerely,

Lance A. Heitz

Presque Isle