Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, is a promise or oath of loyalty to the Republic of United States of America. Pledge of Allegiance, in full, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, oath that proclaims loyalty to the United States. In 1942, soon after America entered World War II, Congress officially endorsed the Pledge of Allegiance and instituted the current hand-over-heart gesture. The Balch pledge was adopted by the many schools, the Grand Army of the Republic and by … Sources: Dr. John W. Baer, The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History; The American Legion. The pledge was accompanied by a salute (called Bellamy salute), wherein the arm was outstretched and palm faced upwards. Copyright © Historyplex & Buzzle.com, Inc. Andrea Hall, who made history as the first female firefighter in Albany, Georgia, is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at Joe Biden's inauguration. Pledge of Allegiance, in full, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, oath that proclaims loyalty to the United States. However, due to its resemblance to the Nazi salute, President Franklin D. Roosevelt brought in the hand-over-heart position as the salute gesture. The Balch pledge was adopted by the many schools, the Grand Army of the Republic and by … We said it every morning when we were in school, but many of us aren’t familiar with the history behind our country’s Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister in Boston who was prominent in the Christian Socialist movement of the time. The Pledge of Allegiance quickly became a part of schools around the country, even while undergoing changes over the years / Wikimedia Commons. The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise to be loyal to the US that is said especially by American children at school at the start of each day.. See the fact file below for more information on The Pledge of Allegiance or alternatively, you can download our 25-page The Pledge of Allegiance worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment. We said it every morning when we were in school, but many of us aren’t familiar with the history behind our country’s Pledge of Allegiance. ©2021 FOX News Network, LLC. He grew up in the family of deeply religious Baptist Christians. Legal Statement. The Balch pledge which was used before the pledge of allegiance was created by Captain George Thatcher Balch, a Civil War veteran and a teacher of patriotism. What would make it meaningful is if students ( and staff) understood the Pledge, or could at least in good faith argue the authenticity of its message, based on the lessons of history. The author was not only a minister, but also a Baptist. The resolutions got nowhere until President Eisenhower and the national press corps attended a sermon preached by Rev. The History and Meaning of The Pledge of Allegiance For over 100 years, American children have spoken the words of the Pledge in schools, homes, churches, and many other places to show respect and love for the American flag. The original pledge of allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy. Legal Statement. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister in Boston who was prominent in the Christian Socialist movement of the time. These days, the U.S. Senate recites the pledge right after the chaplain’s prayer. People in uniform must face the flag, remain silent and take the military salute. In 1954, under pressure from the Knights of Columbus and other religious groups, Congress officially added the words "under God" to the Pledge, so that it currently 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. The official name of The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted in 1945. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America" This is a promise that we will always be true to our country and our special red, white and blue flag represents us and all 50 states in our country.