Pledge Of Allegiance Essay

The Pledge of Allegiance is a saying most of us learn, memorize, and recite as a child. However, many of the students don’t give much thought to the meaning and depth of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge dates back to 1892, according to USHistory.org, and though the words have been changed and altered over the years, its general meaning stays the same. The Pledge of Allegiance’s lyrics hold much meaning to me, the meanings of which I will be presenting piece by piece.

The first piece I will be dwelling on is “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America”. When I think about this part of the Pledge, I see the “pledging allegiance to the flag” as symbolism. Obviously, one doesn’t become loyal to a flag. However,

as I think that the flag is the symbol for our country, I think we should still hold pride, even if it is just a symbol. When first thinking of a country, many have the image of the flag’s country in mind. The flag is the pride of our country, what we want other countries to see and think of us. I see the flag as a sign of respect, giving us a reminder of the struggles of past Americans when we recite this phrase. We “pledge allegiance” to the country, and we bear respect, pride, and love toward the country which we thrive.

My next section to reflect is “and to the Republic for which it stands”.

I think the purpose to this line is to influence our belief in our government. The definition of “republic” is basically the citizens of a civilization electing and individual to govern and rule. During the American Revolution (properly taught in 8th grade), a large cause of the conflict was King George III making decisions without the consent of the colonists. Considering the colonists idea of government, picking a fit ruler to make good decisions. I believe that by the colonists agreeing to be under his rule, they expected the king to be thoughtful of the citizens, creating laws that benefit them. However, since the king began taxing unjustly without the citizen’s consent, they saw him unfit as a ruler and began to rebel in attempt to break away. Though I’m simply putting out an example, I have a strong feeling that American belief in government was what influenced this line in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Americans also had a strong support, using God as their ethos in the Declaration of

Independence.

In the Pledge, the line “one Nation under God” is one of the lines that stand out most to me. This line is implying that God supports our nation. I agree, and, though I won’t explain why, think that this line is living proof that God has supported us throughout many of our hardships. We won several wars and have been freed of many previous flaws. Even in the Declaration of Independence, the country’s freedom is supported by several references of God. Also, I see the meaning of “under” as being protected. My thoughts consist of relation, as I think that the support of God in our country does exist, and has helped us make a unique country.

The final part I will be dissecting is “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. This line is likely the most definitive part, and the biggest point of the Pledge, in my opinion. America was founded out of the desire to want liberty and justice. One of the things I have pride in most is our freedom of several aspects of many civilizations, including freedom of speech, and our ability to hold trial by jury and our justice system. And indeed, I believe our country is undividable, as said by the first words. Though America today has political parties, such as Democrats and Republicans, who have differences, we still stand one country. First, I will reflect on “indivisible”. As I said previously, I believe our country is and will remain undivided. But the fact that I will be pondering is why I think it was included. True, being united is an important aspect of a stable civilization, but why recite it constantly? I believe that being united isn’t only an important area of a stable country, but an important lesson to learn ourselves. You can only get so far individually. For instance, when you work with a partner, you need to establish temporary indivisibility to work together and get things done. Next, liberty is personally intriguing to me, for it is something not many countries have, and is one thing I have known about America for a long time. We have barely any laws and restrictions against our lives and behavior, which gives us many rights foreigners don’t have. Our freedom is something to look forward to in living in America. Finally, justice is the last important word in this section. America has trial by jury, of which only a few countries have. A good justice system is important to me, for I think it is only right for those convicted to be given a chance to prove themselves innocent. If a monarch is depended to make every choice, they have the power to do anything to the convicted, even if unjust. Now that each section has been reflected on, I’d like to dwell on the overall Pledge of Allegiance.

Every section I described has a meaning individually, but when combined with each other, the Pledge becomes a speech that proves our loyalty to our country. When we pledge our allegiance, we agree to America’s governing ways, and we become part of a free and just country supported by God. Our allegiance lies with our country, and with that allegiance comes great reward. We join with the undivided Americans, we earn freedoms beyond good, and we have an incredible justice system. As I said before, the flag represents the country. It also is representing the evolution of America, as the stripes represent the 13 colonies, and the stars represent our current 50 states. Our history is a big influence and is very related the Pledge itself, so I think it is only natural I address it.

Our country has a great history, with many lessons.

Our history seems to me like a storybook, filled with excellent themes. Our previous Americans fought for the many rights we have today, and some of these have been incorporated into the Pledge, as I have seen. During the American Revolution, many men pledged loyalty to George Washington for his incredible war tactics, and they became the first Americans. And, as stated before, colonists were upset for King George III’s laws, and had their own idea of government. Even the Declaration states that God was supporting their efforts and nation. The colonists in the Revolution allied with French and Spanish, all three stood currently undividable as they fought the war against Britain. American beliefs were incorporated into modern day; consisting of freedom and justice. The history of America had a great influence on the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Pledge’s many aspects were taken from events from the past, and still have an effect on us

today.

America has faced many hardships, most of which I admire and see as heroic. The Pledge of Allegiance is a reflection on the many events that has happened in America. I believe this through the striking similarities of both accounts (historical accounts and the Pledge). The pledge shows our loyalty to a symbolic flag, which symbolizes our country itself. By surrendering our loyalty, we agree to America’s way of government, which is that one leader is elected out of the free will of the citizens. We also join the inseparable men and women who are living proof of our freedom and justice here. The Pledge holds many emotions that, in my opinion, can only be seen if one takes a moment to think about the lyrics, and to see what it means to them, what they see in the words. Since learning this in preschool, it never occurred to me that to look beneath the surface of the Pledge, to consider it more than a daily routine. The Pledge of Allegiance is a wonderful piece of work, and I have learned a lot, not just about its meaning, but about America’s own history.