ONE NATION UNDER GOD
The purpose of the program is to keep the phrase one nation “Under God” in the public eye, as well as in the Pledge of Allegiance. In 1951, a movement to add "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance was organized. As you probably know, this movement was begun by a resolution adopted by the Knights of Columbus' national Board of Directors in April, at the height of the Korean War. The resolution called on all Knights to add the words "under God" to the Pledge, which is recited at the opening of Council and Assembly meetings. The Hearst newspaper corporation joined us in 1952, campaigning for the resolution in its papers nationwide. In 1953, Federal legislators were lobbied by leaders from the Knights of Columbus. A bill to add "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance was introduced, in the House by Representative Louis Rabaut (a Democrat), and in the Senate by Senator Homer Ferguson (a Republican). On June 14, 1954, the words "under God" were inserted into the Pledge. The legislation was signed into law and supported by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower says: "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." On March 14, 2001, Michael Newdow, an unemployed emergency room physician, who also earned a law degree from the University of Michigan, filed a lawsuit, arguing that having the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. The 9th Circuit Court in California ruled in his favor.Fittingly on Flag Day, June 14, 2004, the suit was thrown out by the Supreme Court.In January 2005, Mr. Newdow again filed suit, this time with other parents, and again the 9th Circuit Court ruled “reciting the Pledge was unconstitutional in public schools because of the words “under God”.”We as Knights must do what we can to keep these words in the Pledge. Our State Council is asking Councils to purchase pennants from us bearing the phrase “One Nation Under God”, and donate them to their local municipalities, asking that the pennants be flown on the flagpoles outside Town Hall, in parks and at other Township properties. We also ask that Councils donate them to Churches, and to fly them outside their Council homes. There are over 700 pennants flying throughout New Jersey. I have received calls and e-mail from Councils in New York & North Carolina asking about our program, and they have purchased pennants and are flying them proudly. But we still need to do more, we must do more. There are many towns and cities in New Jersey that the pennants are not flying in. Please help us keep the phrase in the public’s eye and mind. Write you local legislators. Fly the pennants at your own homes. Carry them in parades in your town. My address and phone number are in the State Directory, if anyone has any questions. Please help with this important program. Help keep us “ONE NATION UNDER GOD”.
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