SSCG5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of government described in the United States Constitution.

g. Explain the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

• The Pledge of Allegiance ✔

• Connecting Themes

• Forms of Government

Current Pledge

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.

Youth’s Magazine Subscriptions got free flag

Subscriptions slowed

Columbus Day Celebration 1892

Plan Flag Ceremony

Written by Francis Bellamy

“Pledge” Binding Promise, Agreement

Original “Pledge allegiance to My Flag” with the Bellamy Salute

Afraid Immigrants might think of old flag

1923 Flag Conference change My Flag to the Flag of

1942 US Congress passes Flag Code

Flag and Pledge become law

Adopted Current Version

Added Hand over heart

1948 Louis Bowman

adds “under God”during Lincoln Birthday celebration

Post WW2 Anti-Communist (Atheists) scare

1954 Added to Flag Code to Show U.S. love of God

Pledge is made compulsory in schools by states

Forced to pledge to Flag, or to God.

School children

can’t give consent

Right to speak includes Right not to.

Pledge . . . Flag Idolatry

“Under God” Violates “establishment of religion, or . . . the free

exercise thereof”

Current Rules; Schools

can conduct it, can’t be forced, can’t interfere, can’t be judged