The members of the House and Senate stood on the steps of the United States Capital and sang "God Bless America" in a sign of true brotherhood. These are simply patriotic symbols and do not contain religious messages of any sort. In a November editorial printed in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dan Landis said about children, "The patriotism shown by these small acts is an important element of their upbringing". Our children need to learn the Pledge of Allegiance and the reasons behind them saying it. Singing "God Bless America" or reciting the pledge of Allegiance is a show of patriotism and not a display of an individual's religious belief.
The main argument people have with children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school is the words "under God". However, the word God appears in many common places throughout the country. The phrase "under God" first appeared in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (Sekulow). In 1954, Congress added the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance. The national motto of the United States is "In God We Trust" and that goes all the way back to 1814. Also, in 1955, Congress mandated the inscription "In God We Trust" on all coins and paper currency. The rationale for this was explained in the National House Report and it stated, "The committee considers "In God We Trust" a superior and more acceptable motto for the United States. It is a designated motto of inspirational quality in plain, popularly accepted language." (US House Report 1956) I have yet to see someone refuse to use money because it has "In God We Trust" printed on it. When a person is sworn in to testify in court they must swear to tell the truth "so help you God". There are numerous appearances of the word "God" in our everyday life. They are symbols of national faith and patriotism and not expressions of religion.
There are two main arguments against students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school.
