Our Pledge of Allegiance

In 1892 Francis Bellany wrote the Pledge of Allegiance. It was originally published in the Youth's Companion on September 8 1892. The original form read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” In 1923 it was changed to read: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Then in 1954 in response to the Communist threat, President Dwight D. Eisenhower (our 34th President) encouraged Congress to add the words “under God”, creating the 31-word pledge we say 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.”

"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. We are all on a team together and the flag is our symbol...our nation's family crest.

"And to the Republic for which it stands"

In our country, we get to vote for people to stand up for us and make laws. This is called a Republic. The leaders we vote for should always listen to us and be responsible.

"One nation, under God"

No matter who we are, what we believe, or where we may originally be from, we are all part of the same team, and we believe there is a higher power, greater than ourselves, looking out for us.

"Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"

We are stronger together and no one can ever break us up. We believe everyone should be treated fairly and equally. We are one country forever.

How do we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance should be performed by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform Scouts should remain silent, face the flag, remove any non-religious headgear and place their right hand over the heart. Scouts in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the Scout Salute. Scouts right hand will remain in their respectful position until the Flag bearer says "2".

Why do we say "2"?

In a large unit for the military they call out the command "1" to signify to the troops to salute the flag. When the Ceremony is complete they call out "2" to signify to the troops to stop saluting and put your hand back to the original place while at attention.