Who Wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance was composed more than 100 years ago and authoritatively adopted by Congress in 1942. It has seen more than its fair percentage of disagreement time. There have always been some or other concerns regarding it, even today, it raises a few legal concerns regarding some violations of the U.S. constitution.

The concept of ratifying a national oath began in 1885 after the Civil War veteran Col. George Balch wrote a loyalty pledge to the American Flag. He did this because he wanted the children or youth loyalty towards the U.S, especially to children who were immigrants. Various schools and institutions adopted it, but then a new pledge was written.

Although there are a lot of people who had their hands on it, the credit for it goes to a Baptist Minister, Francis Julius Bellamy. It was printed in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. This agreement was also sent out in a circular form to schools everywhere in the country. (See Why Did Billy Joel Write We Didn’t Start the Fire?)

It has been changed four times since it was written. Initially, when it was reported the pledge was “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.”

But now it has slightly changed to this version “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.” The latest change was done in the year 1954.

He was born on May 18, 1855, and passed away on August 28, 1931. He was a Christian Socialist who wanted equal distribution of economic resources as per the teachings of Jesus. But he also said that there should be no distribution of voting rights to women or immigrants.

It is recited in various places starting from the Congress sessions, the start of the school, public meetings and at many more places. But, they have a proper manner in which the pledge should be taken such as a person should stand and remove the hat (if wearing), face towards the Flag and your right hand should be placed over your heart.