Francis Bellamy, a clergyman and editor of “Youth Companion” is believed to have written the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag in September, 1892:
“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.”
In 1892, the magazine printed it to celebrate the four hundreth (400th) anniversary of Columbus
discovering America. School age children recited the pledge on October 12, 1892, Columbus
Day.
The original words read, “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
In researching this information for you readers, it was discovered that the words were altered in the 1920's when “my flag” was changed to “the flag of the United States of America.” In 1942, the Pledge was granted recognition by the United States Congress when it was included in the Flag Code. Congress then added the phrase “under God” in 1954.
When an American citizen cites the Pledge, the following rules of respect should be recognized:
1. All should stand at attention and face the flag.
2. The United States Flag Code requests that those not in military uniform should place the right hand over the heart.
3. That those not in military uniform who are wearing a hat, should remove it with the right hand and hold at the left shoulder, so that the hand is over the heart.
4. Soldiers and others in uniform, etc, scouts, should remain silent, face the flag, and give the appropriate salute.
I encourage each of your to respect the American flag. Many brave individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice of death for our flag and nation. Remember always that we are “one nation under God.” Teach your children and grandchildren the importance of God and the American 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.”
In 1892, the magazine printed it to celebrate the four hundreth (400th) anniversary of Columbus
discovering America. School age children recited the pledge on October 12, 1892, Columbus
Day.
The original words read, “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
In researching this information for you readers, it was discovered that the words were altered in the 1920's when “my flag” was changed to “the flag of the United States of America.” In 1942, the Pledge was granted recognition by the United States Congress when it was included in the Flag Code. Congress then added the phrase “under God” in 1954.
When an American citizen cites the Pledge, the following rules of respect should be recognized:
1. All should stand at attention and face the flag.
2. The United States Flag Code requests that those not in military uniform should place the right hand over the heart.
3. That those not in military uniform who are wearing a hat, should remove it with the right hand and hold at the left shoulder, so that the hand is over the heart.
4. Soldiers and others in uniform, etc, scouts, should remain silent, face the flag, and give the appropriate salute.
I encourage each of your to respect the American flag. Many brave individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice of death for our flag and nation. Remember always that we are “one nation under God.” Teach your children and grandchildren the importance of God and the American flag.