Why Do Students Pledge Allegiance To The U.S. Flag?

The video explores the tradition of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in American schools. It traces the origins back to 1892, when a children's magazine promoted the Pledge during the World's Fair. President Harrison declared a national day for Columbus's discovery, encouraging schools to recite the Pledge. The tradition was reinforced by a desire to instill patriotism post-Civil War and among immigrants. Today, most states require the Pledge, but a 1943 Supreme Court decision protects students from being forced to participate, allowing them to choose whether to recite it.

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