Pledge of Allegiance Day

Pledge of Allegiance Day is observed annually on December 28. This day commemorates the date in 1945 when the United States Congress officially recognized the patriotic oath and incorporated it into the federal Flag Code.

History of Pledge of Allegiance Day

The original version of the pledge was written in August 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and editor for the children’s magazine “The Youth’s Companion.” He created the verse as part of a campaign to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. On October 12, 1892, more than 12 million schoolchildren recited the original text, which did not yet include the name of the country. The phrasing initially read, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The pledge underwent several revisions before reaching its current form. In 1923, the words “the Flag of the United States of America” replaced “my Flag” to ensure that immigrants were clear about which nation they were honoring. In 1942, Congress formally recognized the pledge and established the tradition of placing the right hand over the heart, replacing the “Bellamy Salute” which too closely resembled the fascist salutes used in Europe. The final major change occurred on Flag Day in 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “under God” to distinguish the United States from officially atheistic communist states during the Cold War.

Why is Pledge of Allegiance Day important?

This day highlights a unifying ritual that has been part of American public life for over a century. The pledge serves as a common verbal bond for citizens of diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the core principles of liberty and justice. It is a central element of naturalization ceremonies, where new citizens recite it to formally declare their commitment to their new home. By observing this day, the public acknowledges the historical evolution of these 31 words and the enduring values they represent in modern society.

The observance also serves as a reminder of the legal protections surrounding free speech and expression. In the 1943 case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, the Supreme Court ruled that public school students cannot be forced to recite the pledge. This ruling established that true patriotism must be voluntary rather than compelled by the state. Therefore, the day celebrates the freedom to choose to participate in this national tradition, making the act of reciting it a more meaningful personal gesture of loyalty and respect.

• The pledge provides a consistent way for citizens to express national pride
• New residents use these words to finalize their journey toward American citizenship
• The text serves as a daily reminder of the concepts of indivisibility and equality
• Reciting the pledge together fosters a sense of community in schools and government
• The history of the oath reflects the social and political changes of the nation

How to Observe Pledge of Allegiance Day

One practical way to observe this day is by reviewing the official flag etiquette outlined in the United States Flag Code. This includes standing at attention, facing the flag, and removing any non-religious headdress with the right hand. Taking a moment to read the definitions of words like “indivisible” and “allegiance” can help participants move beyond rote memorization to a deeper understanding of what they are promising. Many people also use this day to check the condition of their personal flags and ensure they are displayed according to federal guidelines.

Local community centers or schools may host educational sessions that delve into the lives of Francis Bellamy and other historical figures involved in the pledge’s creation. You can celebrate by visiting a local library to research how the pledge was used during different eras of American history, such as the World Wars or the Civil Rights Movement. Engaging in a respectful discussion with others about the meaning of “liberty and justice for all” can also provide a thoughtful way to honor the spirit of the day while acknowledging the country’s ongoing efforts to live up to those ideals.

• Recite the 31 words slowly to focus on the meaning of each phrase
• Check your home flagpole to ensure the flag is clean and not frayed
• Read the 1943 Supreme Court decision regarding the rights of students
• Explain the history of the pledge’s wording to a younger family member
• Fly the American flag from sunrise to sunset to mark the observance

Pledge of Allegiance Day Dates Table