First Use of the Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance is a statement of loyalty to the United States and its flag, initially composed by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy in September 1892 for the magazine The Youth's Companion. It was first officially recited on October 12, 1892, during Columbus Day celebrations, at the direction of President Benjamin Harrison. The original wording expressed allegiance to "my flag" and emphasized national unity and justice. Over the years, the pledge underwent significant modifications, notably in 1924 when Congress changed "my flag" to "the flag of the United States of America," reflecting a more explicit national identity. Further amendments in 1954 added the phrase "under God," resulting in the current version of the pledge. The Pledge of Allegiance continues to evoke various interpretations and discussions about nationalism, patriotism, and the relationship between religion and government in American society. Its historical evolution highlights changing sentiments and values within the United States.
First Use of the Pledge of Allegiance
First Use of the Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States, the oath of loyalty to the United States as represented by its flag, was first written by a Baptist minister named Francis Bellamy in a piece for a popular magazine called The Youth's Companion, in September 1892. The pledge was first officially used on October 12, 1892, by order of President Benjamin Harrison during Columbus Day observances. This first pledge read as follows:
I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands: one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
In the 1920s, several patriotic organizations such as the American Legion achieved a modification of the pledge when Congress substituted the words “the flag of the United States of America” for the phrase “my flag” effective on Flag Day, June 14, 1924. In 1954 Congress further amended the pledge by adding the words “under God.” The Pledge of Allegiance now reads:
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.