~ A look at the history and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance ~
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The Pledge of Allegience
What Is the Pledge of Allegience?
The Pledge of Allegiance is a well-known patriotic verse that is often recited in classrooms and at events as well opening Congressional sessions and many government meetings on both national and local levels. The Pledge promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States of America.
What Is the History of the Pledge of Allegience?
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by Captain George Thatcher Balch, a Union Army officer in the Civil War. In 1892, minister Francis Bellamy revised Balch’s verse as part of a magazine promotion for The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy, who was the circulation manager the magazine, helped persuade then-president Benjamin Harrison to institute Columbus Day as a national holiday. He also lobbied Congress for a national school celebration for Columbus Day.
It wasn’t until 1942 that the Pledge was formally adopted by Congress, and the deeply significant words “under God” were added a few years later in 1954.
How Is the Pledge Rendered?
According to the current United States Flag Code, the Pledge should be carried out in the following manner:
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, with the hand held over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform as well as veterans are permitted to render the military salute in the same way as persons in uniform.
United States Flag Code
From our archives November 10, 2024
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