“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.” 

For many years, children have spoken the above words in schools, churches and other places to show respect for the American flag.  All local school students start their day by standing and reciting the pledge, followed by a moment of silence.

Hickory Creek principal Mike Mansfield said, “We attempt to teach respect for the pledge and our country each day. However, consistent with state law, students are not required to recite the pledge.”

Most schools let different class representatives come to the office and lead the pledge over the intercom.
“Our students are honored to lead the pledge,” said Irving College School teacher Betty Clendenon. “They look forward to their turn because they get to go to the front office to show their respect.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 for the magazine, “The Youth’s Companion.” It was to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. In 1942, Congress passed an act making it the official pledge of the United States. The words “under God” were added by an act of Congress in 1954, and has not been changed since.

The original pledge was a little shorter than the one we use today, thinking it would be easier for children to remember.

The original pledge follows:

I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Directions about how to say the pledge is provided by the United States Flag Code. We should stand, remove hats, and place your right hand over your heart before beginning to say the words. Those who have a hat on, should remove the hat with the right hand and hold it over their left shoulder, so the hand is over the heart.

All this is done to show proper respect to the flag and to the United States of America.