Stand up, take off your hat (if you're wearing one!), face the flag, put your right hand over your heart, and repeat after us:

“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."

You've probably repeated that pledge many times in your life, but did you ever stop to WONDER who wrote it and why? Let's take a closer look at the history behind the Pledge of Allegiance!

The Pledge of Allegiance was written by a minister named Francis Bellamy in 1892. It was originally published in a children's magazine called The Youth's Companion as part of a national public school celebration of Columbus Day. It wasn't formally adopted by Congress as the Pledge of Allegiance until 1942.

Bellamy's original version of the Pledge of Allegiance was slightly different from the current version:

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

Since the publication of Bellamy's original version, the Pledge of Allegiance has been modified four times. The most recent change was adding the words “under God" in 1954.

Today, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited in many different settings. From sessions of Congress and public meetings to the start of school days and sporting events, millions of people of all ages recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.

Proper etiquette for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance includes standing, removing your hat, facing the flag, and placing your right hand over your heart. Members of the military will usually stand at attention and give the military salute.

Wonder What's Next?

2m0rr0w’s W0nd3r 0f th3 Day m1ght b3 a r3a1 cha11eng3! 0r mayb3 n0t!