The Pledge – Today In Southern History
14 June 1943
On this date in 1943…
The Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment prevents authority to compel a person to salute the American flag or to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Even though World War II was in full swing and patriotic fervor was rampant, many people (especially in the South) disagreed with the northern socialist-authored pledge and (at the time) its Nazi-like Roman salute.
Other Years:
1671 – France staked a claim to most of what would later become the United States of America, even though the eastern coast is already inhabited by English colonies.
1775 – The Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress for purposes of common defense.
1777 – The Continental Congress adopted the design of the American flag.
1861 Confederates burn the B&O Railroad bridge and the US Armory buildings at Harpers Ferry
1864 – The popular Confederate General and Episcopalian Bishop, Leonidas Polk was killed by artillery fire at Pine Mountain, Georgia.
1916 - The Democratic Convention convened in St Louis. Woodrow Wilson campaigned on the slogan “he kept us out of the war”
1953 - Elvis Presley graduated from L. C. Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee
1967 – The Venus space probe, Mariner 5 was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
1984 - The Southern Baptist convention again decided against allowing women clergy members
1989 - Texas Rangers’ Nolan Ryan became the 2nd pitcher to defeat all 26 Major League teams
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