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When Wildfire Threatens
Wildfires can happen anywhere and at anytime. They are unpredictable and no region is immune. Are you prepared for the risk of wildfire? |
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| What is Frances Bellamy known for? |
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| Two hundred and twenty six years ago Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag.
More than a hundred years later, in 1892, Frances Bellamy published what is today known as the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge was originally created to support the idea that all are created equal and to give the middle class more power. After a proclamation by Benjamin Harrison, it was first recited in public schools, on October 12, 1892.
In 1924, the words “the flag of the United States of America” were substituted for “my flag.” In 1954, war between the U.S. and Russia seemed certain. Realizing this, President Dwight D. Eisenhower asked Congress to add the two small yet powerful words: “under God.”
The reason was to distinguish our pledge from Russia’s “Communist” pledge.
In the 1980’s some in the U.S. House of Representatives sought to require a recital in Congress, but House Speaker Jim Wright, D-Texas, soon casually and voluntarily started a morning recital.
The Senate began reciting the Pledge on June 24, 1999, after passing a resolution at the urging of Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H.
There is some protocol when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Uniformed military personnel face the flag and give the military salute. Civilians stand at attention or place the right hand over the heart. Men traditionally remove their hats.
So the next time you recite the pledge, please remember the history behind it. |
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