FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: July 16, 2002
Contact: Jennifer Stone (619) 531-4766

SAN DIEGO COUNTY PLEDGES ALLEGIANCE TO PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

SAN DIEGO - "If the Pledge of Allegiance is banned, millions of Americans will be denied their right to honor their Country through simple and thoughtful recitation," County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said today as the Board unanimously adopted her resolution in support of the 31 word Pledge.

The Board's action adds San Diego County to the growing number of American cities and counties who are supporting President Bush in his quest to seek a rehearing of a controversial case before the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Last month, the court ruled that the Pledge was unconstitutional because it contains the phrase "Under God."

"Halfway around the world, American soldiers are fighting for this country, its flag and its freedom. I think it's appropriate that we honor their sacrifice and reaffirm our allegiance to their - and our - beliefs by beginning our Board meetings with the Pledge," Jacob said.

The Board also approved Jacob's additional recommendation to urge other cities and school districts to adopt similar resolutions in support of the Pledge.

"As a former teacher, I know that no child is ever forced to say the Pledge in any American classroom," Jacob said. "I consider it an honor to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and want to extend that honor to my grandchildren for years to come."