Why is the Pledge of Allegiance Important

Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, is a promise or oath of loyalty to the Republic of United States of America. The Pledge was originally written in August, 1892 by an American Baptist minister and active social activist, Francis Bellamy. It was first published in 1892, in the September 8th edition of a Boston based children's magazine called 'Youth's Companion'. On October 12, 1892, it was first used in public schools during Columbus Day celebrations, after a proclamation made by President Benjamin Harrison. Over 12 million children recited the Pledge of Allegiance that day, thereby beginning a school day ritual. Since then, the Pledge is recited by school children of all religions across America on a daily basis.

The short, 15 second Pledge has an interesting history, and since September 1892, the original Pledge has been altered quite a number of times. In accordance to the United States Flag Code, the pledge is to be recited by standing at attention; facing the flag and placing the right hand over the heart. People in uniform must face the flag, remain silent and take the military salute. Those not in uniform must remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and place it on the their left shoulder, in such a way that their right hand is over the heart.

Meaning of Pledge of Allegiance

Today, the words of the Pledge of Allegiance reads: 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. The meaning of this Pledge is as follows:

• I pledge allegiance - I promise to be true
• to the flag - to the symbol of our country
• of the United States of America - each state that has joined to make our country
• and to the Republic – a republic is a country where the people choose their representatives, to make laws for them, that is the government is for the people
• for which it stands – the flag, meaning the country
• one nation – a single nation
• under God – the people believe in a supreme being
• indivisible – the country cannot be split into parts
• with liberty and justice – with freedom and fairness
• for all – for each person in the country, you and me!

In a nut shell, by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, every American promises to be true to the United States of America. The freedom available will not be taken for granted and each American will remember the countless men, women and children who have given their lives through the centuries, so that they can live peacefully today.

Why is the Pledge of Allegiance Important

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by school children of all religions across America on a daily basis but unfortunately it has become more or less a blind ritual, where children recite the words without actually understanding the meaning. Reciting the Pledge is not a compulsion but a mark of patriotism to the country. It is an action that symbolizes one's loyalty to the United States of America and the feeling that as an American one is proud to be a part of this blessed country.

However, there is a lot of debate regarding the reasons to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Many Americans don't say the Pledge and feel that it's unnecessary even to stand up when the national anthem is being played. They defend themselves by saying that by not reciting the Pledge, they are not being anti-patriotic. On the other hand, some people find the words 'under God' objectionable. Atheists and non- Christian Americans state that they cannot recite 'under God', because its against their beliefs. Then there are those people who believe that not saying the Pledge is a sign of disrespect to the country.

There is a lot of controversy regarding the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance in the United States today. The Supreme Court had made the recital of the Pledge compulsory in schools, however, since it violated the first Amendment, the court withdrew its decision. Americans have the freedom to choose if they want to recite the pledge or not.