Hear John Wayne Recite The Pledge Of Allegiance
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. Despite occasional controversies and debates surrounding its recitation in schools, the Pledge of Allegiance remains a prominent symbol of loyalty and unity in the United States.
What was the original version of the Pledge of Allegiance?
The history of the Pledge of Allegiance dates back to 1892 when Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and socialist, wrote the original version. Intended as a way to instill patriotism in American schoolchildren, it was first published in a children’s magazine
The first version went as follows:
“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
What was added to the Pledge of Allegiance in the 1920s?
In 1923, “the Flag of the United States of America” was added. Now, the pledge was recites as,
“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.”
The final addition to the Pledge of Allegiance
In the Cold War era in 1954, President Eisenhower suggested that Congress add “under God” to Bellamy’s poem that is recited daily. Although Ballamy’s daughter protested, the change was approved. It is now
“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.”
John Wayne Recites The Pledge of Allegiance
In 1973, the icon that is John Wayne released an album of patriotic poems titled America, Why I Love Her.
The album was the pop album chart for 16 weeks and peaked at number 66 on April 27, 1973. It went to number 13 on the Top Country Albums chart! After Wayne’s death in 1979, it was re-released, and then again after the September 11th attacks.
RELATED: John Wayne Narrates The History Of ‘Taps’
Take a listen to John Wayne reciting the Pledge of Allegiance below!
