The Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance History: When was it created and the author, Francis Bellamy

The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and magazine writer for The Youth's Companion. The Pledge was first published in 1892 in The Youth's Companion. It was included in an ad for the "Official Programme for the National Columbia Public School Celebration of October 12, 1892," a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' discovery of America. On this day in New York City, the pledge was first recited. The rest of the nation participated in the ceremony on Oct. 21, where millions of school children recited the Pledge.

In writing the Pledge, Bellamy was inspired by the great speeches of Lincoln and Webster and also by the Civil War and the slogan of the French Revolution, "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity." The wording of the Pledge has been changed several times since its birth. Most of these changes were made so the Pledge would be specific and more unique to the United States.

When was "one nation under God" added to the Pledge of Allegiance?

"Under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, this act was done by President Dwight Eisenhower. The reasoning and push for the new phrase was to promote patriotism. At the time American was going through the Red Scare, during this period of uncertainty many believed that communists were "ungodly" and that this phrasing would provide a separation between communist Soviet Russia and America.

Which states require the pledge of allegiance in schools 2020?

According to the Supreme Court Case West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette it was ruled that no public school could require their students to recite the pledge. As it violates a persons first amendment right to be forced to do so.

What does the pledge of allegiance mean?

The pledge is meant to be a promise from the citizens of the United States that signifies their dedication to the country, its values, and the American Flag.

Why do American's pledge allegiance to the flag?

Originally when the pledge was first created it was simply a marketing tool. In 1892 Bellamy and many other Americans at the time believed that the catholic southern and eastern European immigrants were a threat to America. The pledge and the rest of Bellamy's marketing strategy promoted Americanization in public schools. It was not until President Eisenhower signed a bill into law after World War II that recognized the standard version of the pledge that was signed into flag code. The version that Eisenhower signed into law did not contain the phrasing "Under God".

Evolution and Change of the Pledge of Allegiance text

1892

"I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all"↓

1892

"I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all"↓

1923

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"↓

1924

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"↓

1954

"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"

Proper Procedure During the Pledge: The Pledge of Allegiance was added to the U.S. Flag Code in 1942. The code also abolished the popular "Belamy salute" to the flag because it resembled a salute done by Nazis. The code specifies appropriate behavior of the public and the military during the recital of the Pledge.

• Only recite or read the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of a flag
• Before the Pledge is recited, stand and face the flag. If something is blocking your view, face the general direction of the flag.
• Place your right hand over your heart during the Pledge. Men wearing hats or head coverings should remove them.
• Men and women in uniform should stand silently, facing the flag and render the military salute.

ReferencesThe Care and Display of the American Flag by the Editors of SharpMan 2004. Flag: An American Biography by Marc Leepson 2004.