I am sure you know the story behind including that phrase in our Pledge of Allegiance but let me refresh your memory.  The Reverend George M. Docherty preached a sermon in the presence of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and suggested that the words “under God” be added to the pledge. 

The sermon profoundly affected everyone in attendance, including the President.  Reverend Docherty stated: “Something is missing in the pledge, and that which is missing is the characteristics and definitive factor in the American way of life.  Indeed, apart from the mention of the phrase, the United States of America, it could be the pledge of any republic.  In fact, I could hear little Muscovites repeat a similar pledge to their hammer and sickle flag in Moscow with equal solemnity.”

The pastor went on to illustrate that the American pledge, as it existed, could be recited by citizens from any country, even those in communistic nations that hated God. 

The day following the sermon, U.S. Representative Charles Oakman of Michigan introduced a Joint Resolution (H.L. Res 2371) to add the words “Under God” into the pledge and explained:

“Mr. Speaker, I think Mr. Docherty hit the nail squarely on the head.  One of the most fundamental differences between us and the Communists is our belief in God.”

Two days later, on February 10^th, Senator Homer Ferguson, also of Michigan, introduced the Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. 126) explained to the Senate:

“Our nation is founded on a fundamental belief in God, and the first and most important reason for the existence of our government is to protect the God-given rights of our citizens…. Indeed, Mr. President, over one of the doorways of this very Chamber, inscribed in the marble are the words “In God We Trust.”  Unless these words amount to more than a carving in stone, our country will never be able to defend itself.”

Those resolutions were passed, and on June 14, 1954 (Flag Day), President Dwight David Eisenhower signed the bill into law, officially adding the words “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance, telling the nation:

“From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the declaration of our nation and our people to the Almighty.  To anyone who truly loves America, nothing could be more inspiring than to contemplate this rededication of our youth, on each school morning, to our country’s true meaning… 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 or in war.”

It is astounding to me how far we have drifted from those moorings!  Think about what I have just written.  One Sermon had that kind of impact!  One preacher spoke to the President and the nation with a message from God that affected the thinking and identified the foundational principles that this nation would reaffirm as its bedrock moorings.  

The question should be, “Do we have any preachers today willing to be that voice for God and Country?”  Hopefully, we do!  I long to hear them speak out eloquently, frequently, and loudly!  I want to be that voice; if it is not me, then someone, please!

America and our heritage depend on us!  We need to remember these things in every election cycle.  Our Freedom and Republic depend on it. 

God bless you, and God bless America!