I Pledge Allegiance…

Author unknown, said at public ceremonies in the 1800’s The First Pledge I give my hand and heart to my country, one nation, one language, one flag. Author unknown, said at public ceremonies in the 1800’s

Frances Bellamy and James Upham 1892 I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands – one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Frances Bellamy and James Upham

The Youth’s Companion Children’s magazine published in Boston James B Upham Francis Bellamy The pledge was used in celebration of Columbus Day, October 12, 1892.

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. – From The Youth’s Companion, 65 (1892): 446–447. Bellamy Salute

National Flag conferences of 1923-1924 I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands – one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 1923 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. National Flag conferences of 1923-1924

This procedure was quickly followed by the hand over the heart and then the extension of the arm to the flag until World War II. It became confusing to some since the salute was so similar to the Nazi salute to Adolf Hitler, who killed millions of Jews during this time period. On December 22, 1942 Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the hand over the heart gesture and was made official by Congress when they amended the Flag Code.

United States Congress 1954 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. United States Congress

James E. Allen, Jr. Former U.S. Commissioner of Education Two proposals were submitted in 1970 and 1971 to change the pledge, but the changes were not adopted. They read as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and dedicate myself to the principle that the Republic for which it stands shall be in truth one nation, under God, indivisible, dedicated to liberty and justice for all. James E. Allen, Jr. Former U.S. Commissioner of Education I salute the Flag of the United States of America by committing myself to the principle that the Nation for which it stands ever be indivisible and dedicated to liberty and justice for all. Dr. Whitney Smith, Jr., Director of the Flag Heritage Foundation