Under God, with Liberty and Justice for AllThe Pledge of Allegiance has been recited in the halls of America's public schools for centuries. This anthem to America begins each school day with students engaging and appreciating the freedoms that America grants to citizens of the United States. The issues surrounding this iconic American symbol are these simple but valiant words: “Under God.” These comments led to lawsuits requiring the Supreme Court to answer the following questions: 1. Do these comments interfere with our First Amendment rights as Americans? 2. Can we force our young people to say them in our public schools? The First Amendment is vague, so both sides of the argument can be validated, leading to a forced decision by the United States Supreme Court. Since 1892, when Francis Bellany initially wrote the Pledge, it has gone through many changes. The pledge originally did not contain the words “under God.” The original read: “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands, one indivisible nation, liberty and justice for all” (Pledge, 2013). This version changed several times until 1954 (Keith, 2008). According to the United States Flag Code, it was amended to read: "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, and freedom and justice for all” and that was changed. The version has remained in place, although repeatedly challenged, until now. The debate over reciting “under God” continues as both sides of the issue continue to spark lawsuits across the country (Pledge, 2013). The objections to reciting "under God" are that our country is built on freedoms in a democratic republic and for...... middle of paper ......sEditorial: Is God here to stay? It's a miracle! "Ninth Circuit judges side with 'one nation under God.' (2010, March 13, 2010). Augusta Chronicle, The (GA). Religious Freedom Foundation. (2013). Oath of Retrieved from http://ffrf.org/faq/state-church/item/14030-pledge-of-allegianceKeith, R. (2008, February 12, 2008). oppose “under God” [Newspaper source]. More quotes from the presidents (“nd”). 2013). Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/09/04/5-facts-about-pledge-of-allegiance. Supreme Court and the Pledge of Allegiance: Does God Still Have a Place in American Schools Brigham Young University Review of Education and Law?, 301-330.