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On Columbus Day, 1892, The Pledge of Allegiance was first published in "The Youth's Companion" (a popular children's magazine). It was written by a staff member of the magazine, Francis Bellamy, and it started an American tradition steeped in patriotism that continues today.

The original 1892 text is: I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. - Francis Bellamy, "The Youth's Companion"

Several changes over time were made to the American flag pledge.

The current version — as provided for under Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 4, US Code: 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. The Pledge of Allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1940 — Minersville School District v. Gobitis — that the school district had a strong interest in creating national unity that was sufficient to permit them to compel students to salute the flag.

Yet in 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled — West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 — compelling students to salute the flag violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments.