Flag Day
The Pledge of Allegiance
"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."
Francis Bellamy, the author of these words, was an ordained minister, magazine writer, and Freemason who stated
that his aim was to say "what our republic meant and what was the underlying spirit of its life." Bellamy wrote the Pledge of
Allegiance in 1892 as part of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. It was embraced by the nation
and almost immediately became a part of the school-day ritual. Bellamy's original text has been altered twice. In 1923, the
words "the flag of the United States of America" were substituted for the words "my flag". Congress officially recognized the
Pledge in 1942 and added the words "under God" in 1954.
History of Flag Day About Flag Day Air Force news - President Proclaims Flag Day Flags at Fort McHenry The Smithsonian: Star Spangled Banner Telescoping Flagpole With Flag Flag of the United States Fort McHenry - National Anthem U.S. Flag Day June 14, 1997: 220 Years of Stars and Stripes Evolution of the United States Flag "Old Glory" Liberty Image Gallery Flags of Freedom Foundation Send a Patriotic Postcard |
FLAG ETIQUETTE: Here are some tips to make sure your tribute is a respectful one: Display the flag only between sunrise and sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs. The flag may be displayed for twenty-four hours if illuminated in darkness. Do not display the flag in inclement weather. Whether displaying the flag vertically or horizontally, make sure the canton of stars is visible on the upper left-hand side. Do not let the flag touch the ground. An unusable flag that is damaged and worn and can no longer be displayed should be destroyed in a dignified way by burning. When not on display, the flag should be respectfully folded into a triangle, symbolizing the tricorn hats worn by colonial soldiers in the Revolutionary War. |
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