The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance

The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance

"The Pledge of Allegiance is an important expression of our shared values, and it should be preserved in its current form. I fully support the Pledge of Allegiance and urge my colleagues to do the same.”
~Judy Biggert

The Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance of The United States: A Little History

The Pledge of Allegiance is an expression of loyalty to the U.S. federal flag and to the republic of the United States.  Its original version is attributed to a New Yorker named Francis Bellamy in 1892.  It was published in a children’s magazine, popular at the time and distributed to schools.  The Youth Companion ran the piece as a part of the much anticipated “National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day” that year, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas.

The Pledge of allegiance: Form and Fashion

The Pledge of Allegiance, according to The United States Flag Code, “should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.”
As a matter of form, the Pledge was adopted by Congress in 1942, and is ritually recited at the beginning of each session.  In similar fashion, many lower level tiers of government, as well as many private organizations ~ including The Boy Scouts of America~ start their meetings off with this patriotic expression.  Indeed, despite controversy in recent years, the Pledge of Allegiance still begins the school day in many education institutions around the country.

“Patriotism is voluntary. It is a feeling of loyalty and allegiance that is the result of knowledge and belief.  A patriot shows their their patriotism through their actions, by their choice.”
~Jesse Ventura

 

The Pledge of Allegiance: Understanding the Pledge

What does The Pledge of Allegiance actually mean??

The attachment to flag and country is a unique bond that requires a special language of its own.  The original version of the pledge was written in an attempt to instill the concept of American nationalism during a time in the country’s history when in was particularly low.  That version read as such:

Here's the version we know today:

There are many interpretations of not only the evolution of the pledge, but the words themselves, and everyone has their own opinion.  This video of a performance comedian Red Skeleton gave on the subject sums it up quite nicely! =)  Check it out:

What ever your take on the why’s and wherefore’s of The Pledge of Allegiance, one thing is for certain:  it is an amazing tool to not only unite citizens in a common mindset, but also has the ability to evoke powerful emotions, no matter the version.

So, what are your thoughts about the flag, the pledge, and American patriotism these days?  Please feel free to comment below and let me know, and share this with your friends. =)

Until next time…

May your imagination light your way,

~xo~ StacyLynn “@~>~” a.k.a AllAmrcnWldFlwr [Flower]

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