The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic recited verse that promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States. The first version was written in 1885 by Captain George Thatcher Balch, a Union army officer in the Civil War who later wrote a book on how to teach patriotism to children in public schools. In 1892, Francis Bellamy revised Balch's verse as part of a magazine promotion surrounding the World's Columbian Exposition, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Bellamy, the circulation manager for The Youth's Companion magazine, helped persuade then-president Benjamin Harrison to institute Columbus Day as a national holiday and lobbied Congress for a national school celebration of the day.
President Eisenhower signs order adding words "under God" to the Pledge
The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic recited verse that promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States.
Key People
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Military Leader & President
Supreme Commander of Allied forces on D-Day; 34th US President
–
Events Before
Hank Williams dies
Hank Williams, American singer, songwriter, and musician, known for american singer, songwriter, and musician, died on 1953-01-01.
Ernest Bloch's work for viola and piano, "Suite Hébraïque," part of his "Jewish Cycle," premieres in Chicago
Ernest Bloch's work for viola and piano, "Suite Hébraïque," part of his "Jewish Cycle," premieres in Chicago
US President Harry Truman announces the United States’ development of the hydrogen bomb
Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953.
Cricketer Richie Benaud (22) weds Marcia Lavender at the Wesley Church in Sydney, Australia
Cricketer Richie Benaud (22) weds Marcia Lavender at the Wesley Church in Sydney, Australia
US Court of Appeals rules that organized baseball is a sport and not a business, affirming the 25-year-old Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals rules that organized baseball is a sport and not a business, affirming the 25-year-old Supreme Court ruling
Events After
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
Bhutan issues its first postage stamps
The first postage stamps of Bhutan were issued in 1962, the same year that the first motorable road was opened.
Marian Anderson is the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Ulric
Marian Anderson is the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Ulrica in Giuseppe Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera"
American film director Stanley Kubrick (26) weds second wife, Austrian theatrical designer Ruth Sobotka (29); divorce in
American film director Stanley Kubrick (26) weds second wife, Austrian theatrical designer Ruth Sobotka (29); divorce in 1957
"The Millionaire" TV series premieres on CBS
"The Millionaire" TV series premieres on CBS
More from the 1950s
Sputnik 1 Launch
The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, igniting the Space Age and the US-Soviet Space Race.
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
Emil Jannings dies
Emil Jannings, Swiss-born German actor, known for german actor, died on 1950-01-02. Emil Jannings was a Swiss-born German actor who was popular in Hollywood films in the 1920s.
The European Economic Community comes into effect, better known as the European Common Market
The European Economic Community comes into effect, better known as the European Common Market
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on June 14, 1954?
- The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic recited verse that promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States. The first version was written in 1885 by Captain George Thatcher Balch, a Union army officer in the Civil War who later wrote a book on how to teach patriotism to children in public schools.
- Why is President Eisenhower signs order adding words "under God" to the Pledge historically important?
- In 1892, Francis Bellamy revised Balch's verse as part of a magazine promotion surrounding the World's Columbian Exposition, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Bellamy, the circulation manager for The Youth's Companion magazine, helped persuade then-president Benjamin Harrison to institute Columbus Day as a national holiday and lobbied Congress for a national school celebration of the day.
- Who was involved in President Eisenhower signs order adding words "under God" to the Pledge?
- Key figures include Dwight D. Eisenhower (Military Leader & President).