The Pledge Of Allegiance Essay

Words: 447
Pages: 2

The Colonial Flag was the first national flag of the United States. The flag is a part of the birth of the new nation. “Alternating in red and white, the 13 stripes also represent the 13 original colonies that joined together to declare their independence from Britain in order to establish themselves as a sovereign nation” (“Symbolism”). The colonists wanted liberation and were tired of British policies. They declared independence and birthed a new nation. The flag is a symbol of revolution. “Originally, the colors red, white and blue had neither specific meaning nor representation when the flag was adopted in 1777” (“Symbolism”). Although, there was a quote found in a book stating that the stars symbolize the heavens and man's goal …show more content…
It is a symbol of purity, valor, and chief. The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and their policies. These were the first, and original states of the new nation. The fifty stars are a representation of each state as they were added, becoming one with The United States. In 1892, the flag inspired James B. Upham and Francis Bellamy to write The Pledge of Allegiance. It was first published in a magazine called The Youth's Companion”(“History”). The Pledge of Allegiance is a statement recited nationwide every day as a symbol of respect towards the flag, and the individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice to create a free and equal country. According to an Air Force Handbook, “there needs to be respect in place when it comes to flag” since it is “one of the most enduring and sacred symbols of the United States” (Hoog). All United States military is required to show respect for the flag. As the country’s leaders, service members are held to a higher standard, and because “the American Flag is a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice many have made... military members are to be at attention during the Pledge of Allegiance whether indoors or outdoors, in uniform or in civilian attire” (Hoog). Not only are members of the United States Armed Forces required to respect their own anthems, but they are to give allied nations the respect they give to the