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The Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and magazine writer for The Youth's Companion. The Pledge was first published in 1892 in The Youth's Companion.It was included in an ad for the "Official Programme for the National Columbia Public School Celebration of October 12, 1892," a celebration of the 400 year anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America. On this day in New York City, the pledge was first recited. The rest of the nation participated in the ceremony on October 21, where millions of schoolchildren recited the Pledge. In writing the Pledge, Bellamy was inspired by the great speeches of Lincoln and Webster and also by the Civil War and the slogan of the French Revolution, "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity." The wording of the Pledge has been changed several times since its birth. Most of these changes were made so the Pledge would be specific and more unique to the United States. Evolution of the Pledge of Allegiance: 1892 "I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all" 1892 "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 "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 "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" Proper Procedure During the Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was added to the US Flag code in 1942. The code also abolished the popular "Belamy Salute" to the flag because it resembled a salute done by the Nazis. The code specifies appropriate behavior of the public and the military during the recital of the Pledge. Only recite or read the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of a Flag. Before the Pledge is recited, stand and face the flag. If something is blocking your view, face the general direction of the Flag. Place your right hand over your heart during the Pledge. Men wearing hats or head coverings should remove them. Men and women in uniform should stand silently, facing the flag and render the military salute. Back to Top The Lincoln Flag  
Joseph E Garrera, president of the Lincoln Group of New York, a historical society focused on studying the life of Abraham Lincoln, conducted a one year independent study in 1996 on what is known as "the Lincoln flag." This 36-star flag was draped over the balustrade in the presidential box of Ford's Theatre on Good Friday, April 14, 1865. On that night President Lincoln was there to see the play, "Our American Cousin." John Wilkes Booth, a former actor, assassinated President Lincoln in hopes of creating political chaos. Laura Keene, starring actress in that night's performance, was in the booth with Lincoln, and cradled his head in her lap. Doctors laid Lincoln on the floor, and Keene pulled down the large 36-star flag, placing it partially under his head. Lincoln died shortly after. Thomas Gourlay, part-time stage manager and actor at Ford's Theatre, was also present in the booth with Lincoln and Keene. Gourlay took the flag after Lincoln was moved across the street to Petersen House, He gave the flat to his daughter, Jeannie Gourlay Struthers, before his death in the 1880s. While living in Milford, Pennsylvania, she passed the flag on to her son, V. Paul Struthers, who donated it to the Pike County Historical Society in Milford, PA, in 1954. Paul Struthers donated other historical artifacts to the Pike County Historical Society as well, including an oral history of the chain of family ownership of the Lincoln flag. The Lincoln flag remains there to this day. In the conclusion of his study, Garrera declares the Lincoln flag as "authentic." The blood stains on the flag were tested twice, and both tests confirmed that the blood was human. He also found that the "contact stains" are consistent with the wound Lincoln sustained coming into contact with that flag. The governmental policies regarding the ceremonial use of American flags at the time, the materials used in the manufacture of the flag, and the disposition of the other flags in use at Ford's Theatre also confirm the flag's authenticity. Other highly respected Lincoln scholars like Dr. Wayne Temple, Michael Maione, Dr. Edward Steers Jr., Frank J Williams and other agree with Garrera's findings and believe the Lincoln flag to be authentic. Back to Top Folding the American Flag   
The American Flag may be folded for a number of reasons. Since the Flag Code specifies that the flag should not be carried flat, folding the flag may be necessary for transportation, storage of display. The flag is also folded by members of the Armed Forces after it is lifted from a casket at a military funeral. It is then given to the next of kin.The Flag Code does not specify how the flag should be folded, but a standard flag will require thirteen folds. To specify there should be tow lengthwise folds and eleven triangular folds. When folding the flag in this manner gained popularity, there wasn't a symbolic meaning associated with the folds. Through the years, the public has attributed meaning to each fold. Most of these meanings are religious, and all of them reflected the ideals of this country. Step 1: Facing each other two people should hold the flag horizontally at both ends. 
Step 2: Make your first fold lengthwise, bringing the stripes over the union area of the flag. 
Step 3: Match up the corners, keeping the flag taught. 
Step 4: Make another lengthwise fold, match up the corners and keep the flag taught. 
Step 5: Keeping the flag taught at both ends, fold a triangle from fold to edge. Keep folding triangles, making sure you keep a 90 degree angle and your folds are smooth. 
Step 6: Continue folding triangles in the same manner. 
Step 7: Continue folding triangles onto the union of the flag. 
Step 8: Fold the last triangle and tuck the ends in. 
Back to Top * The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life. * The second fold of the flag is a symbol of a belief in eternal life. * The third fold is a symbol of honor and remembrance of veterans. * The fourth fold is a symbol of weakness. * The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. * The sixth fold is where our hearts lie. * The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces. * The eight fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, so that we may see the light. * The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. * The tenth fold is a tribute to fathers. * The eleventh fold represents a lower portion of the seal of King David & King Solomon, glorifying the God Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. * The twelfth fold represents the emblem of eternity and glorifies the God of the Father, the Son & Holy Ghost. * When the folds are complete, the stars are uppermost and remind us of our national motto, "In God we Trust." * The flag will resemble a cocked hat, representing Soldiers, Marines & Sailors of the past & present. Back to Top
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