Pledge of Allegiance Day

Pledge of Allegiance Day falls on December 28 and commemorates the date Congress officially incorporated the pledge into the US Code. Nearly every American knows the words by heart and could recite them even if woken up in the middle of the night. The tradition reflects a deep sense of patriotism and love for the country.

History

The pledge has a long history, first introduced in 1885 by George Balch, a Navy veteran and rear admiral who served in several conflicts. However, Balch’s original version was quite different from today’s. In 1892, Francis Bellamy, who worked for The Youth’s Companion magazine, was asked to write a patriotic poem to mark the anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in America. Inspired by the idea, Bellamy created a text that closely resembles the modern pledge.

Interesting Facts

• The “Bellamy Pledge” was adopted by the American military.
• In most schools, children recite the pledge every day with their hands over their hearts. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses have objected, citing religious reasons.
• The modern version of the pledge was established in 1954, when the words “under God” were added—a change that has been contested in court multiple times.
• There was once debate over who wrote the pledge, but it is now recognized as the work of Francis Bellamy.

How to Take Part

Learn more about the origins of the pledge on Pledge of Allegiance Day! Explore the different perspectives and discussions surrounding it, and share what you learn with others. Reciting the pledge is a fitting way to mark the occasion. You can also post about the holiday on social media and use relevant hashtags to join the nationwide celebration.

When is Pledge of Allegiance Day in 2025?

Pledge of Allegiance Day is observed each year on December 28.

Observations