Flag Day, Flag Week, And The Pledge Of Allegiance
In a recent statement from the White House, President Bush urges all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and other appropriate places, and to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Click here to read President Bush’s June 6 proclamation regarding Flag Day, Flag Week, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
The American flag, our national symbol, is displayed at Federal government buildings on June 14 (Flag Day) and during National Flag Week (the week during which June 14 occurs).
The Pledge of Allegiance, an oath of loyalty to our flag and country, is recited at many public events, such as School Board and City Council meetings.
For anyone (such as School Board official Keith Heun) confused by, forgetful of, or who doesn’t know the words of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, it is as follows:
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.
According to various internet sources, the Pledge of Allegiance was first published in 1892 in The Youth's Companion magazine in Boston, Massachusetts. It was worded as: “ I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” It was revised about 30 years later with the words
“the flag of the United States of America” replacing the phrase “my Flag.” In 1954, Congress and President Dwight Eisenhower added the words “under God” to the pledge.