Francis Bellamy (1855-1931) wrote the Pledge of Allegiance for observance of the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. He was assistant editor for "Youth's Companion", a juvenile periodical. His job was to promote patriotism and the flying of the flag over public schools. He was made chairman of the executive committee for the National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day in 1892. He felt every public and private school in the land should fly the flag.
Bellamy visited President Benjamin Harrison in Washington, D.C., to ask him to endorse the idea of a flag over every school and the teaching of patriotism in all schools. On June 21, 1892, President Harrison signed the proclamation which read: "Let the National Flag float over every school house in the country and the exercises be such as shall impress upon our youth the patriotic duties of American citizenship."
Bellamy wrote these now famous words, first printed in "Youth's Companion" on September 8, 1892:
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES AND TO THE
REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND
JUSTICE FOR ALL.
At the Second National Flag Conference held in Washington. D.C., on Flag Day, 1924, they added the words "of America".
A further change was made by House Joint Resolution 234, approved by President Dwight Eisenhower on June 14, 1954. This amended the language by, adding the words "under God". So that it 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.
Often we hear people recite the pledge: "...one Nation (pause) under God.." There is no comma after 'Nation', and no reason to pause there as many people do. This extra pause totally destroys the rhythm and meaning of these great lines. After all, the concept of one nation under God is a precious and valued thing.
PLEASE TEACH YOUR CUB SCOUTS AND PARENTS TO REPEAT IT PROPERLY!