Pledge of Allegiance

Honoring the Flag, Celebrating Unity

A historic expression of loyalty, unity, and national identity in the United States.

As the United States marks 250 years, explore the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution— the documents that launched and shaped the American experiment in self-government.

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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 Allegiance has evolved over more than a century and reflects political, cultural, and historical developments in the United States. Here is a clear historical timeline.

Origin (1892)

The pledge was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and Christian socialist. He created it as part of a national campaign to promote patriotism in American schools.
  • The pledge was published in a children’s magazine called The Youth’s Companion.
  • It was first recited publicly on October 12, 1892, during celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.
  • The original wording was:
    • “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Early Changes (1923–1924)

Concerns arose that immigrants might recite the pledge while thinking of their country of origin instead of the United States. To remove ambiguity:
  • 1923: “My Flag” was changed to “the Flag of the United States.”
  • 1924: It was revised again to “the Flag of the United States of America.”

Official Recognition by Congress (1942)

  • In 1942, during World War II, Congress formally recognized the pledge in the U.S. Flag Code, establishing it as the nation’s official pledge.
  • Around this time, the original salute (known as the Bellamy Salute, which involved extending the arm toward the flag) was replaced with placing the hand over the heart. This change occurred partly because the salute resembled fascist salutes used in Nazi Germany and Italy.

    • Supreme Court and Students’ Rights (1943)

    A landmark case, West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943), ruled:
    • Students cannot be forcedto recite the pledge or salute the flag.
    • The decision affirmed protections for freedom of speech and religion under the First Amendment.

    Addition of “Under God” (1954)

    During the Cold War, there was a strong emphasis on distinguishing the United States from officially atheist communist governments.
    • In 1954, Congress added the words “under God.”
    • President Dwight D. Eisenhowersupported and signed this change into law.
    • This created the version used today.

    Modern Status

    Today, the pledge:
    • Is commonly recited in schools, government meetings, and public ceremonies.
    • Is voluntary due to constitutional protections.
    • Remains both a patriotic tradition and, at times, a subject of public debate regarding religion and compelled speech.