"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." The Pledge of Allegiance received official recognition by Congress in an Act approved on June 22, 1942. However, the pledge was first published in 1892 in the Youth's Companion magazine in Boston, Massachusetts to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, and was first used in public schools to celebrate Columbus Day on October 12, 1892. In its original version, the pledge read "my flag" instead of "the flag of the United States." the change in the wording was adopted by the National Flag Conference in 1923. The rationale for the change was that it prevented ambiguity among foreign-born children and adults who might have the flag of their native land in mind when reciting the pledge. The phrase "under God" was added to the pledge by a Congressional act approved on June 14, 1954. At that time, President Eisenhower said: "in this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." ************************************************************ We support our men and women soldiers, wherever they are, around the world, many 'in harm's way' and pray for their safe return to families and friends. Each and every day, we proudly fly the American Flag outside our home, weather permitting, in recognition of the sacrifices made, and still being made, by Americans in the cause of Freedom. On 'special' holidays, we fly an American Flag that formerly (2006) flew over a wartime American Military Base in Iraq - compliments of our US Navy Seabee friend and toy train buddy Lance Prucnal. Recently, we came across a truly moving narration written by John Mitchum and recited by John Wayne called 'America..Why I Love Her' that includes a truly remarkable photo essay... Click Here To listen to the story of America and see some inspiring views of our 'America the Beautiful' Thank you. Walter and Susie Matuch Ready Made Trains, LLC