The
Pledge originated in1892, when Francis
Bellamy, a former Baptist minister, penned it for The Youth's Companion
magazine as part of a Columbus Day celebration marking the 400th anniversary of
Christopher Columbus's arrival. Bellamy's original version reads: "I
pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." It was designed to foster
national unity amid post-Civil War healing and waves of immigration, promoting "true
Americanism" through public education.
Over
the decades, the Pledge evolved. In 1923-1924, "my Flag" became
"the Flag of the United States of America" to clarify loyalty.
Initially accompanied by the Bellamy Salute—an extended arm gesture reminiscent
of the Roman salute—it was changed in 1942 to the hand-over-heart position due
to its similarity to the Nazi salute during World War II.
In
1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation inserting "under
God" to differentiate the U.S. from "godless" communism during
the Cold War.
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