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Most schoolchildren in the United States quickly become familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance. At some point in their early civic instruction they are required to learn it and to recite it at the beginning of the school day. Who wrote the Pledge, and why was it so important?

Old Ideas New Minted

History does not record which of two individuals generally credited with the first publication of the Pledge actually penned its words. The favored candidate is Christian Socialist and Baptist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), who wanted a pledge that could be used in Columbus Day celebrations in 1892. Bellamy's purpose may have been, additionally, to provide an outlet for the ideas of Edward Bellamy, his first cousin. Edward was the author of Looking Backward (1888), a socialist utopian novel.

Some of Francis Bellamy's thought process survives in his notes concerning the writing of the Pledge. What historical points did his writing touch upon, and to what great event did he look for inspiration? In his own words:

"Just here arose the temptation of the historic slogan of the French Revolution which meant so much to Jefferson and his friends, Liberty, equality, fraternity.' No, that would be too fanciful, too many thousands of years off in realization. But we as a nation do stand square on the doctrine of liberty and justice for all."

Francis Bellamy was also responsible, as chairman of a committee of state superintendents of education, for the schools' participation in the 400-year anniversary of Columbus' historic voyage of discovery. The pledge and a flag-raising ceremony became a part of that program in the schools.[1]

James Upham, an employee of the Boston publishing house in whose 8 September 1892 edition of "The Youth's Companion" the Pledge first appeared, likely collaborated with Bellamy on this project. The Pledge was published and Bellamy is probably the primary author, for both personal and political reasons. Here is the original text:

I pledge allegiance to my Flag,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all. [2]

Changes to Honor Immigrants

The attention of the American people was focused elsewhere, and the Pledge was largely confined to the use of the schools for nearly a quarter century. It was in preparation for Flag Day, 14 June 1923, that adults began to attribute wider societal value to the Pledge. At that point in the nation's history, organizers of events in Washington, D.C., paid tribute to the huge influx of immigrants by revising the Pledge. The words "my Flag" were struck and the words "the Flag of the United States" were substituted.

In 1924, the words "of America" were appended following "United States," and this form held through the inclusion of the Pledge in the United States Code as Title 36. Millions of children continued their daily recitation of this pledge in schools across the country. It was in 1954 that the final change (thus far) was made to the text of this venerable document.

An Appeal Above

On Flag Day, 14 June 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved a change to the text after heavy lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, who wanted "under God" inserted after "one Nation." At the signing ceremony, the President declared, "We are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future." With this change, the Pledge of Allegiance became what we repeat today, "both a patriotic oath and a public prayer." (Baer, 1992)

Notes:
1. "The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History," by Dr. John W. Baer, http://history.vineyard.net/pl edge.htm, 29 October 2007.
2. http://www.homeofheroes.com/ha llofheroes/1st_floor/flag/lbfc _pledge.html, 29 October 2007.

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