Pledge of Allegiance facts for kids
The Pledge of Allegiance is a special promise people in the United States make. It shows their loyalty to the American flag and to their country. It's a way to show respect for the USA.
The Pledge's History
The idea for a pledge started a long time ago. Colonel George Balch wrote an early version in 1887. He wanted to teach children about their duties as citizens.
A few years later, in 1892, Francis Bellamy wrote a new version. This version was very similar to the one we use today. It was first published in a magazine for young people.
The Pledge became very popular. Schools across the country started using it. In 1942, the United States Congress officially adopted Bellamy's Pledge. This made it the official national pledge.
How the Pledge Changed
The words of the Pledge have changed a little over time. The most important change happened in 1954. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and others wanted to add the words "under God."
So, Congress voted to add "under God" to the Pledge. This change made the Pledge the 31-word version we know today.
What the Pledge Means
When you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you are making a promise. You are promising to be loyal to the United States. You are also showing respect for the flag, which is a symbol of the country.
The Pledge reminds people about important ideas. These ideas include liberty (freedom) and justice (fairness) for everyone. It's a way to unite people who live in the United States.
Images for kids
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Col. George T. Balch wrote an early pledge of allegiance.
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Rev. Francis Bellamy wrote the version that became official.
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A plaque in Lansing, Michigan, dated 1918, listing the Balch Pledge, which was used parallel to the Bellamy Pledge until the National Flag Conference in 1923
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George MacPherson Docherty (left) and President Eisenhower (second from left) on the morning of February 7, 1954, at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
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Children performing the Bellamy salute to the flag of the United States, 1941.
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See also
In Spanish: Juramento de Lealtad para niños
