How the Pledge of Allegiance has changed since 1892

The Pledge of Allegiance is as much a part of American tradition as July Fourth fireworks, parades and barbecues.

Congress opens sessions by reciting the pledge and several schools start the day with it. Many of us have said it so many times we can recite in our sleep.

But did you know the Pledge isn't something that was written in stone? The wording has changed several times since it was first written by minister Francis Bellamy in 1892.

Here are the various forms with changes in bold:

1892

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

1892 to 1922

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

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 to 1954

“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 (current 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.”

By the way, not only have the words changed, but so has how we stand when we recite it. Originally, we started the Pledge with a military salute and then extended our hand palm up toward the flag after reciting “to my flag.” Later, that was changed to our right hands over our hearts with our arm extended toward the flag, palm down.

But during World War II, there was concern the gesture resembled the Nazi salute so we started just keeping our hands over our hearts.