"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."
Those of us who went to school here in the States are well familiar with the pledge.
But most of us are unaware of it's history.
It was penned in it's original form as a marketing gimmick to promote the sale of the National Standard in 1892 in honor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus 'discovering' America.
It's author was Francis Bellamy, a Baptist Minister who was also reputed to be a socialist.
It was published in "Youth's Companion" on September the 7th, 1892, and Bellamy meant for it to be recited in 15 seconds or less.
You may be aware that the phrase "One Nation Under God" was added decades later, and there is now a controversy to remove it from the pledge.
This is the version that I recited as a schoolboy, and the one that I will continue to recite.
The proper protocol for reciting the pledge, and reviewing the Stars and Stripes or during the singing of the National Anthem is as follows;
All of those not in uniform are to place their right hands over their hearts, men are to remove their hats and place them over their heart.
Those in uniform are to hold a proper salute for the duration.
Respectful silence is to be observed throughout.
Why and how did the flag get to be a revered symbol of our Nation?
The evolution of the flag can be researched on the Smithsonian Institutes excellent American History Museum web site, www.americanhistory.si.edu/SSB/6_thestory/fs6.html
The web site for Fort McHenry is also a wealth of information.
The 30'x42' Flag that flew over Fort McHenry on 14 September 1814 which inspired Francis Scott Key to write his famous Broadside poem that became our National Anthem has an interesting story of it's own.
The Army commissioned Mary Dickersgill to make two flags for the Fort in the summer of 1813. She was paid $405.90 to make the large flag, and $168.54 for a smaller flag that was to fly on the parade ground inside the fort.
The big flag was so large that she had to spread it out on the floor of a nearby brewery to complete it's construction.
Key penned his poem while being held under 'house arrest' on a British Warship in Baltimore Harbor, during the 25 hour bombardment of the Fort.
After a night of intensive explosions, the Flag was still visible over the ramparts the next morning.
His poem was an immediate success, and was published in 15 major papers.
In later years it was adapted to the tune "To Anacreon in Heaven", a popular ditty originally used as the theme song of a British Gentleman's club that was a music society.
The original McHenry flag remained in the possession of the Fort's commander Lt Col George Armistead for many years. His descendant Lewis was killed fighting for the Confederacy at Gettysburg on 3 July 1863.
If you have the chance to visit Fort McHenry, take the time to view the presentation in the visitor center before entering the Fort proper.
At the end of the media, while the strains of the National Anthem, sung by the Army Chorus echo in the background large curtains slowly part to your right, and a exact replica of the original flag can be seen flying over the Fort. Quite stirring!
The flag is currently undergoing an extensive restoration, as is the American History Museum itself. Both are slated to reopen in 2008.
Tradition has it that the Red stands for valor, White for Liberty and Purity, (there are 13 stripes which stand for the original 13 colonies) and Blue for Justice, Loyalty and Perseverance.
This is not actually in the U.S. Flag code, however.
The actual code and procedures for displaying and observing proper respect for the flag are on the Smithsonian site.
The Flag is but a symbol, but one preserved by the blood of Patriots and worthy of great care and respect.
Too many of them have been draped over the casket's of our fallen warriors to treat it with disregard.
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