The Pledge of Allegiance and the Land of Liberty Quilt Block

Land of Liberty Quilt Block

 

Every morning, the elementary school where I teach begins its day with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Small groups of students take turns leading the school in the pledge over the intercom. 

 

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.

 

On September 8, 1892, the weekly children's magazine, The Youth's Companion, published a few words for students to repeat on that year's Columbus Day. Previously, the magazine had asked students to collect money to buy United States flags for their schools.  Enough money was raised to purchase 30,000 flags.

 

The words in The Youth's Companion, written by Francis Bellamy, were reprinted on thousands of leaflets and sent out to public schools across the country. On the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival - October 12, 1892 - more than 12 million children recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  Here are the original words:

 

I pledge allegiance to my Flag

and to the Republic

for which it stands - 

one Nation indivisible

with liberty and justice for all. 

 

In 1912, the pledge was changed to make the meaning of the word "flag" more specific.  People also began to say the pledge with their right hands on their hearts.

 

I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America 

 

In 1942, the pledge became part of national law and only the government could change the pledge.  In 1954, the final change to the pledge was made.  Congress voted to add the words "under God" after the word Nation.

 

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.

 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post here.