Pledge of Allegiance

American  

noun

1. a solemn oath of allegiance or fidelity to the U.S., beginning, “I pledge allegiance to the flag,” and forming part of many flag-saluting ceremonies in the U.S.

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Pledge of Allegiance Cultural  

1. Also called the “Pledge to the Flag.” The American patriotic vow, which is often recited at formal government ceremonies, including Independence Day ceremonies for new citizens: “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.”

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The phrase under God, added in 1954 (more than sixty years after the pledge was originally published), has inspired heated debate over the separation of church and state.

Example Sentences

He said he expects the vigil to include prayers, the pledge of allegiance and lots of tears.

From Los Angeles Times

This was a pledge of allegiance.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite all the jokes, the half-ironic but half-sincere recitation of the AMC pledge of allegiance and a recent price hike, they remain loyal customers.

From Los Angeles Times

At the camp, his elementary school classrooms were in converted barracks, where the children stood every day to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

From Los Angeles Times

Too-cool-for-school upper-class students at Santa Monica High scoffed when administrators in 2002 reinstated a daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

From Los Angeles Times