Washington Post: Variations on a Pledge

I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all.
- The original words of the Pledge of Allegiance, 1892

Since its creation more than a century ago, the Pledge of Allegiance has been altered four times. The first change, shortly after it was written, was placement of the word "to" in front of "the Republic."

1923 -
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

1924 -
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

1954 -
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.


So few words, so many arguments. Yet the Pledge of Allegiance has never been static. On this July 4 weekend, Outlook offers 19 variations on the theme…

Oh, "The legend, "In God We Trust," became a part of the design of United States currency in 1957 and has appeared on all currency since 1963." MORE