The Pledge of Allegiance #EZ.61384 Exp 03-26
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister,
Francis Bellamy (1855-1931).
It was originally published in The Youth's Companion on September 8, 1892.
Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.
In its original form it read:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one
nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added.
At this time it read:
"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."
In 1954, in response to Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower
encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word
pledge we say today. Bellamy's daughter objected to this alteration.
Today it reads:
"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."
Section 4 of the Flag Code states:
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.
When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with
their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.
Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."
The original Bellamy salute, first described in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, who
authored the original Pledge, began with a military salute, and after reciting
the words "to the flag," the arm was extended toward the flag.
At a signal from the Principal, the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side,
face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the flag the military
salute — right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and
close to it.
Standing thus, all repeat together, slowly, "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and
the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice
for all."
At the words, "to my Flag," the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward,
toward the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation;
whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side.
The Youth's Companion, 1892
Shortly thereafter, the pledge was begun with the right hand over the heart, and
after reciting "to the Flag," the arm was extended toward the Flag, palm-down.
In World War II, the salute too much resembled the Nazi salute, so it was changed
to keep the right hand over the heart throughout.
HISTORIC DOCUMENTS
Articles of Confederation
Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You
Bill of Rights and Later Amendments
Constitution of the United States
Daniel Webster's "Seventh of March" Speech
FDR's Infamy Speech
Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death
Harkins to American People
Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
Lincoln's House Divided Speech
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Magna Carta
Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges
Petition from the Pennsylvania Society for Abolition of Slavery
The American's Creed
The Declaration of Independence
The Economic Bill of Rights
The Emancipation Proclamation
The Gettysburg Address
The Letter of Columbus to Luis De Sant Angel Announcing His Discovery
The Mayflower Compact
The Monroe Doctrine
The Pledge of Allegiance
The Star Spangled Banner
To those who keep slaves, and approve the practice
Washington's Farewell Address
Content provided by the Independence Hall Association, a nonprofit
organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1942. Publishing
electronically as ushistory.org. On the Internet since July 4, 1995.
At "ushistory.org" a poster for your wall may be purchased.
|
