5 Little-Known Facts About the Pledge of Allegiance


The Pledge of Allegiance is a cornerstone of American patriotism. It is recited in classrooms, at public events, and during official ceremonies nationwide. For many, it’s a simple, daily affirmation of loyalty to the United States. 

However, the history and evolution of the pledge are anything but simple. From its origins to its controversies, the Pledge of Allegiance holds secrets and stories many Americans may not know.

Here are five little-known facts about the Pledge of Allegiance that might surprise you.

1. It Was Originally Written To Promote Magazine Sales

The Pledge of Allegiance wasn’t initially conceived as a patriotic ritual but as part of a marketing strategy. In 1892, a magazine called The Youth’s Companion sought to increase subscriptions and promote the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. To achieve this, the magazine's circulation manager, Daniel Sharp Ford, and his staff launched a campaign to create a flag ceremony for schools nationwide.

Francis Bellamy, a former Baptist minister and Christian socialist, was tasked with writing the pledge. His original version read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

The pledge's simplicity and universality helped popularize it, and schools across America adopted it as part of their morning routines.

2. The Words “Under God” Were Added Much Later

The original pledge made no reference to religion. The now-famous words “under God” were added in 1954 during the Cold War. At the time, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, an officially atheist state, were high. President Dwight D. Eisenhower supported the addition to distinguish the U.S. from communist ideologies and emphasize the country’s religious heritage.

The revised pledge, which included “under God,” was signed into law on June 14, 1954. Today, the phrase remains a point of contention, with critics arguing that it violates the separation of church and state.

3. The Original Salute Had To Be Changed

When the Pledge of Allegiance was first introduced, it was accompanied by a specific gesture known as the “Bellamy salute.” Participants extended their right arm straight out toward the flag. However, as fascism rose in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, this gesture became closely associated with the Nazi salute.

To avoid confusion or negative connotations, Congress officially replaced the Bellamy salute with the hand-over-heart gesture on December 22, 1942. This change helped preserve the pledge as a unifying symbol during World War II when the U.S. fought against Nazi Germany.

4. The Pledge Wasn’t Officially Recognized Until 1942

Although the Pledge of Allegiance had been widely recited in schools and public events for decades, it didn’t gain official status until World War II. In 1942, Congress formally adopted the pledge as part of the U.S. Flag Code. This legislation outlined guidelines for the proper display and handling of the American flag, including the appropriate way to recite the pledge.

Interestingly, while the pledge was officially recognized in 1942, reciting it wasn’t mandatory. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943) that forcing individuals to recite the pledge violated their First Amendment rights, ensuring that participation remains voluntary to this day.

5. There Are Variations in the Pledge Around the World

The Pledge of Allegiance is uniquely American, but other countries have similar oaths of loyalty or patriotism. Interestingly, territories under U.S. jurisdiction, like Puerto Rico and Guam, have their versions of the pledge.

In Puerto Rico, for example, the pledge is often recited in Spanish and includes a direct translation of the U.S. version: "Juro lealtad a la bandera de los Estados Unidos de América, y a la república que representa, una nación bajo Dios, indivisible, con libertad y justicia para todos."

Some states within the U.S. also have optional pledges to their state flags, but these are much less commonly recited.

Why the Pledge Continues To Evolve

The Pledge of Allegiance remains a subject of debate and change, reflecting American society’s evolving values and priorities. From its socialist origins to its Cold War religious infusion, the pledge has adapted to the times while serving as a symbol of unity for many Americans.

However, its history also reminds us that patriotism is not one-size-fits-all. Critics argue that the pledge, as it stands today, excludes non-religious citizens and highlights the tension between national loyalty and individual rights. On the other hand, advocates see it as a powerful statement of shared values and commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice.

The Pledge Will Always Be Iconic

Whether you see the pledge as a cherished tradition or a subject of debate, understanding its origins and evolution provides valuable insight into what it means to be American. Next time you take off your Navy hat to recite the pledge, consider these little-known facts and the stories they tell about the nation’s past and present.


author

Chris Bates