How to Interpret the Pledge of Allegiance

Because the Pledge of Allegiance is a solemn loyalty oath, every citizen should understand what it really means.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Read the Pledge carefully, considering every word. Congress made the Pledge part of its code for use with the American flag in 1942.
2. Look up words you don't know in the dictionary; these are words not in use every day.
3. Familiarize yourself with terms such as allegiance, symbolism and pledges.
4. Break the Pledge into simple sentences, then interpret each one separately.
5. Understand that in the phrase "the Republic for which it stands," "it" refers to the flag.
6. Note the phrase "one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." It simply means that although we are separate states, we are truly one nation by every possible definition, and that our mission as a nation is to ensure freedom and justice for every citizen.
7. Repeat the Pledge with your new understanding.

Tips & Warnings

• Flag etiquette dictates that you stand, remove your hat, and place your right hand on your heart while looking at Old Glory and reciting the Pledge.
• In the military? You're expected to salute the flag while saying the pledge.
• Visitors to our country, as well as those not wishing to participate, should be quiet and respectful while the Pledge is being repeated.
• Only U.S. citizens are supposed to take the Pledge.