How old were you when you learned to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Most likely, you were in kindergarten or the first grade when you learned the Pledge, and most Americans don’t remember a time when we didn’t know it. It always gives me a proud feeling to stand and recite the Pledge and kids all feel the same way, I think. But here’s something that not everyone knows: the Pledge of Allegiance has a complicated and very political history. Written in 1892 by a socialist minister named Francis Bellamy, the original Pledge of Allegiance was published in the September 8, 1892 edition of “The Youth’s Companion.”
Interestingly, even though it was written by a minister, the original Pledge of Allegiance didn’t contain the phrase “Under God.” For that matter, the original Pledge didn’t even have the phrase “The United States of America” in it. Does that surprise you? The name of our country was added to the Pledge in 1923, so not many people remember reciting it without “The United States of America” in it. In regards to the phrase “Under God,” that was added in 1954 by Congress at the urging of President Dwight D. Eisenhower because of the threat of communism. At that time, Congress approved the 31-word Pledge of Allegiance we all recite today.
The Pledge of Allegiance
And there are a lot of rules to follow when you’re saying the Pledge of Allegiance. In fact, in Section 4 of the U.S. Flag Code, it says that you say the approved words while standing at attention and facing the flag. Also, you’re supposed to have your right hand over your heart. Men who aren’t in uniform are required to remove any headwear that is non-religious, so take off those baseball caps and cowboy hats, gentlemen. People who are in uniform are required to remain silent while facing the flag and rendering the military salute.
Here’s a fun fact: some folks from other countries who see us reciting the Pledge for the first time think it’s weird. Ha! Watch the little guy below, who is so adorable as he recites the Pledge of Allegiance.