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"WHY is there such an effort to remove any mention of God, the Pledge of Allegiance? "

Hmm...I say the Pledge of Allegiance the same way today as I said it when I first learned it in 1st Grade:

"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."

I've said the pledge thousands of times in my life, and have said it the same way each time. I am an atheist. I don't believe in any deities or other supernatural entities. If I added "under God" to the Pledge, I would be lying, you see.

So, as my 6th grade teacher told us when those words were added to the Pledge, "You can say it either way, children. Either way, you are pledging your support for our country and for its flag." Smart lady, that teacher.

So, am I less of a patriot than someone who adds those two words? I think not.

No, that is the exact way you should have handled it. You did not demand that all conform to your way - you allowed others to say it with the term "under God". See, all are happy that way.

None MADE you say "under God" - you were given the option.

This is not what others are doing now. They are MAKING all conform to their way of thinking and interferring with the free expression of religion as guaranteed by the constitution.

So, am I less of a patriot than someone who adds those two words? I think not.

I dont think you are any less a patriot for not saying those words. But, you handle it correctly by simply not saying them - not attempting to have them removed. . .