Teachers: Something To Recite In The Mornings

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Volume 100--Part 7 June 22, 1954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- SENATE 8617-8618

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. President, the verbal manifestation of an American's loyalty and patriotism is the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Recognizing that the pledge did not specifically acknowledge that we are a people who do believe in and want our Government to operate under divine guidance, I introduced in the Senate a resolution to add the words which forever, I hope, will be on the lips of Americans. Representatives OAKMAN and RABAUT, of Michigan, and others, introduced similar measures in the House. These words, "under God", are at this moment officially a part of the pledge of allegiance.

It gives me a genuine and real thrill to know that this very day these words of spiritual recognition are being uttered throughout the length and breadth of this great and free Nation of ours.

In its new form, the pledge of allegiance to the flag now reads:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

For several weeks, the American Legion has been conducting a broad and successful drive throughout the entire United States to encourage all of our people to fly the Stars and Stripes on all patriotic occasions, particularly Flag Day, June 14, and on Independence Day, July 4.

As a part of this worthy effort, I had the honor and distinction of leading a group of my distinguished colleagues from the Senate and the House of Representatives in first stating the pledge of allegiance with the words "under God" in ceremonies especially arranged by the national headquarters of the American Legion, through Mr. Edward McGinnis, the former Sergeant at Arms of the Senate.

This colorful ceremony on the morning of June 14 was carried on the Columbia Broadcasting System television network throughout the entire Nation. I include, for the RECORD, the script of this program.

There being no objection, the script was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

I would suggest that teachers copy this historical legislative document for recitation and learning each morning. If time is pressing in the classroom the teachers could focus on the highlighted portion exclusively. This recitation should be done purely as a study of the Congressional Record and governmental/legislative activitities of the 1954 timeframe and not for any other purpose.

Good idea!

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