The Pledge of Allegiance: Weaving Strands of Patriotism Into the Fabric of America

SUNDERLAND, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Sarah Henderson (L) and children from Mrs. Morrow's kindergarden class at Sunderland Elementry school recite the Pledge of Allegiance September 17, 2002 in Sunderland, Maryland. The children were participating in the "The Pledge Across America", a national recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

In public schools all across the country, children rise—or they can choose to sit and listen—as they recite “The Pledge of Allegiance.” But allegiance to what?

They turn toward the flag, place their right hand over their heart and say this sentence: “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.”