Indivisible Day

Another patriotic holiday, Indivisible Day, is celebrated on July 4 every year. This national day promotes the idea of the separation of religion and state. The holiday began in 2002 when Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura introduced it.

History

Jesse Ventura won the governorship of Minnesota in 1998 as a candidate for the Reform Party. He was known for making controversial statements, one of which directly led to the creation of Indivisible Day. He opposed the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited by schoolchildren. In an interview with Playboy magazine, Ventura described religion as a pretense and a crutch for the weak-minded. In response to criticism from religious communities, Ventura explained that his intention was not to divide the nation but to unite it without the “crutches of religion.” As a testament to his beliefs, Ventura declared July 4th as Indivisible Day.

Interesting Facts

• In 1918, a Mennonite man was convicted because his daughter refused to take an oath of allegiance to God at school.
• The phrase “under God” was not part of the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954.
• According to a survey by Adherents.com, approximately 29 million people in the U.S. identify as non-religious, agnostic, or atheist.

How to Take Part

Celebrate Indivisible Day by reflecting on the Pledge of Allegiance and what it asks of American citizens. Explore the history of the Pledge, its origins, and the changes it has undergone over the years. Use this day to express your views on the relationship between religion and the state. Engage in meaningful discussions with friends and family to understand their perspectives.

When is Indivisible Day in 2025?

Indivisible Day is observed on July 4 each year.

Observations