The Pledge of Allegiance was first published on September 8, 1892, in the Youth’s Companion magazine. The original pledge read as follows, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” Children in public schools across the country recited the pledge for the first time on October 12, 1892, as part of official Columbus Day observances to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his discovery of America.

In 1942, by an official act, Congress recognized the pledge. The phrase “under God” was added to the pledge by another act of Congress on June 14, 1954. Upon signing the legislation to authorize the addition, President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our coun­try’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”

When delivering the Pledge of Allegiance, all must be standing at attention, facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove any nonreligious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Those in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

Pledge of Allegiance

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.