Sir Knights and Brother Knights,

Flag Day 2014 – June 14 – will mark the 60th anniversary of the words “Under God” being added to the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. As you know, the Knights of Columbus played a key role in having these words added to the pledge. I hope that you’re also aware – and proud – of the prominent role the Order continues to play in ensuring that they remain part of the pledge. In these days when there seem to be efforts to remove any and all references to God from the public square, it’s important to remind people that freedom of religion should never be confused with freedom from religion.

That’s why I’ve been so gratified to note in recent years the increase in Flag Day programs being conducted by Sir Knights throughout the United States. The program is working well, so I don’t want to change it as we commemorate this milestone anniversary. I do ask, however, that you expand it in two specific ways.

First, ask the governor of your state or the mayor of your municipality to consider issuing a proclamation recognizing June 14, 2014 as the 60th anniversary of the date on which President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law adding the words ‘Under God’ to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Second, as part of your assembly’s Flag Day program, read the message that President Eisenhower released upon signing the law, along with the letter he sent to Supreme Knight Luke E. Hart, which particularly recognizes the Order’s key role in the effort.

By expanding your assembly’s Flag Day program in these two ways, you will not only be honoring our country’s flag and those who have died defending it, you will also be honoring Almighty God as the source of all our rights, and you’ll be honoring the Knights of Columbus for helping to remind all Americans that we are truly “One Nation Under God.”

Fraternally,

Dennis Stoddard
Supreme Master