The Pledge of Allegiance was written to express loyalty to the United States and to promote national unity; its original form was created by Francis Bellamy in 1892 for a celebration marking Columbus’s voyage, and it has evolved over time, notably adding the phrases “the Flag of the United States of America” in 1923 and “under God” in 1954. The modern version reads: “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.” Key points

• Origin: Written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy for The Youth’s Companion, intended as a broad expression of loyalty to the republic.
• Additions: 1923 added the specific reference to the flag, and 1954 added “under God” to emphasize a religious dimension amid Cold War concerns.
• Purpose: Traditionally recited in schools and public ceremonies to foster unity, patriotism, and shared civic ideals; its usage has been the subject of debates over church-state separation and nationalism.