The History Behind This Patriotic School Tradition

Jul 27, 2023

Why we recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day

With many children heading back to school in the coming weeks, it’s very likely they will begin their school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This tradition is one many of us grew up with, but just where does it come from?

The History of the Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance dates back to 1892 when Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and Christian socialist, wrote it to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. However, it is not the same one we use today. The original version of the Pledge of Allegiance was shorter:

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

You’ll notice a few key words and phrases missing, most notably the phrase “under God,” which wasn’t added until over 60 years later during the height of the Cold War. The United States was engaged in a battle of ideologies with the Soviet Union and at that time, the fear of atheism and communism led to a movement to emphasize the country’s religious heritage. President Dwight D. Eisenhower supported the addition of “under God” to the pledge.

The revised version, which includes these words, is the one that is used today:

“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.”

Why We Recite The Pledge of Allegiance In Schools

When it was first written in the late 1800s, it was initially intended to be used as a patriotic exercise for schoolchildren to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in America. This tradition continued for many years and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools became a widespread tradition and a symbol of patriotism in the United States.

The benefits of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools include:

• Patriotic Education: It introduces students to important symbols and values of the United States. It helps foster a sense of pride and attachment to the country and its ideals.
• Citizenship and Civic Responsibility: The pledge emphasizes the importance of being an active participant in the democratic process and understanding the nation’s principles.
• Tradition and Cultural Norms: Reciting the pledge is deeply ingrained in American culture and is seen as a unifying practice that brings students together in a common expression of loyalty and love for their country.
• Respect for Symbols and Institutions: Students learn to respect and honor important national symbols, such as the flag, and the institutions that represent the country.

It’s important to note that in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the pledge faced some controversy, particularly concerning the phrase “under God.” Some argued that its inclusion violated the principle of separation of church and state as outlined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, the Supreme Court ruled in 2004 that reciting the pledge in public schools did not violate the Constitution.

As your students head back to school this fall, share this history lesson behind this well known school tradition. If you have young students, you can even start practicing at home before they return to school with your very own 100% made in America flag.