HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 81

(By Delegates Moye, Eldridge, Perry, Walker,

     P. Smith, Lynch, Staggers, Young, Pino, Marshall

     and Ellem)

Expressing support of the West Virginia Legislature recognizing February 10, 1954, as the anniversary of the addition of the words, “under God,” to the United States Pledge of Allegiance.

    Whereas, On February 10, 1954, Senator Homer Ferguson of Michigan introduced a bill in the United States Congress to amend the Pledge of Allegiance by adding the words, "under God," to the text of the pledge; and

    Whereas, February 10, 1954, was chosen as the date to introduce the bill by Senator Ferguson because it was to recognize the five-year anniversary of the imprisonment of Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty of Hungary, who was imprisoned and tortured by Communists for his sermons exposing the goal of Communism to eradicate all religion; and

    Whereas, Speeches were delivered in Congress by members of both political parties, honoring Cardinal Mindszenty and emphasizing the threat posed to America by Communism; and

    Whereas, Upon introduction of the bill, Senator Ferguson commented, “I believe this modification of the pledge is important because it highlights one of the real fundamental differences between the free world and the Communist world, namely, belief in God,” furthering that with, “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. Spiritual values are every bit as important to the defense and safety of our nation as are military and economic values”; and

    Whereas, The vote to add “under God” to the United States Pledge of Allegiance was a unanimous vote; and

    Whereas, On February 7, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower became convinced that adding the words, “under God,” to the United States Pledge of Allegiance would be the right thing to do after hearing Reverend George Docherty preach that the phrase, “nation under God” was first used in the Gettysburg Address were appropriate to be added to the United States Pledge of Allegiance because freedom “is defined by a fundamental belief in God”; and

    Whereas, The first time the United States Pledge of Allegiance was recited was on Flag Day, June 14, 1954; and

    Whereas, It is important to honor such a date which strengthens the ties of history that bind us to our Christian heritage; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the West Virginia Legislature hereby recognizes February 10, 1954, as the anniversary of the addition of the words, “under God,” to the United States Pledge of Allegiance; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the member newspapers of the West Virginia Press Association.