Pledge of Allegiance Day is observed on December 28. It recognizes the Pledge of Allegiance, the short promise of loyalty to the U.S. flag and nation recited in many schools and public events. The date marks the anniversary of a 1945 act of Congress that officially gave the pledge its name. The day is a chance to learn how the pledge was written, how its wording changed and the rights Americans have regarding it.
History of Pledge of Allegiance Day
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a minister and writer, for a magazine called The Youth's Companion. It was part of a national celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage, and schoolchildren across the country recited it.
The wording has changed several times. In 1923 and 1924, 'my flag' was changed to 'the flag of the United States of America'. In 1942, Congress included the pledge in the U.S. Flag Code, and in 1945 it officially adopted the name 'The Pledge of Allegiance'. On Flag Day, June 14, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law adding the words 'under God'.
The salute also changed. Originally, people recited the pledge with an outstretched-arm salute, but because it resembled the Nazi salute, Congress replaced it with the hand-over-heart gesture in December 1942. In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette that public schools cannot force students to say the pledge.
Why Pledge of Allegiance Day Matters
The pledge is a familiar part of American civic life, and learning its history helps people understand how national symbols evolve.
Its changes reflect important moments in history, from immigration and World War II to the Cold War.
The Barnette decision is also a landmark case about freedom of speech and conscience, showing that patriotism and individual rights are both part of American values.
How to Celebrate Pledge of Allegiance Day
- Learn the history: read about Francis Bellamy and The Youth's Companion.
- Compare versions: look at how the wording changed over time.
- Study Barnette: learn about students' rights.
- Display the flag: follow the U.S. Flag Code.
- Discuss: talk about what loyalty and citizenship mean.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a short history of the pledge as a civics trivia item. In classrooms, students can compare the original and current wording, read about the Barnette case, or discuss symbols of citizenship in different countries. Respect students who choose not to participate. At home, families can talk about the flag, read about American history and discuss the rights the Constitution protects.
Fun Facts About Pledge of Allegiance Day
- Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge in 1892.
- The words 'under God' were added in 1954.
- In 1943, the Supreme Court ruled students can't be forced to recite it.
Pledge of Allegiance Day FAQs
When is Pledge of Allegiance Day?
Pledge of Allegiance Day is observed on December 28.
Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?
Francis Bellamy wrote it in 1892.
When was 'under God' added to the pledge?
The words 'under God' were added in 1954.
Do students have to say the Pledge of Allegiance?
No. In 1943 the Supreme Court ruled that public schools cannot compel students to recite it.
Why was the pledge salute changed?
The original raised-arm salute resembled the Nazi salute, so it was replaced with hand-over-heart in 1942.
When did the pledge get its official name?
Congress officially adopted the name 'The Pledge of Allegiance' in 1945.