The Pledge of Allegiance

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance is an oath of loyalty to the United States. Americans still recite it at flag ceremonies today. Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge in 1892. George Balch had written an earlier, separate pledge in 1887, but the words we use today come from Bellamy.

The Pledge first appeared in The Youth’s Companion, a Boston magazine, on September 8, 1892. Schools used it to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage. That year, more than 12 million students recited it together. From there, the Pledge became a school tradition. In many states, children still say it each morning before class.

The words changed over the years. In 1923, “my Flag” became “the flag of the United States.” That update made the meaning clear for citizens born in other countries. In 1924, “of America” was added. You can trace the whole story in our history of the American flag.

Congress first recognized the Pledge in 1942 and added it to the U.S. Flag Code. One year later, in 1943, the Supreme Court ruled that no student can be forced to recite it. In 1945, the oath earned its official title: “The Pledge of Allegiance.” Finally, on Flag Day in 1954, Congress added the words “under God.”

The Pledge takes only about fifteen seconds to say. Still, it carries a simple reminder — stay true to the country, and respect one another. Whether you fly the flag at home, at school, or at your business, a quality American flag honors that same spirit.

Want to know more about the Pledge of Allegiance? Call Flag World Company at 303-623-0589.