Weekly Column: Our Pledge Of Allegiance

"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 words of the Pledge of Allegiance are etched in Americans’ memories, as it is recited in classrooms, boardrooms, governmental gatherings, community events and more. At the start of each day the U.S. Senate is in session, Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry C. Black gives an opening prayer. The blessings vary and often appeal for the Lord’s guidance. For example, at a meeting of the U.S. Senate, on June 23, 2026, Dr. Black prayed : “Eternal God, Sovereign of this planet, give us the wisdom to surrender to Your will. Lord, guide our lawmakers to trust You with all of their challenges and opportunities as they strive to please You in their thoughts, words, and actions. Provide them with the discernment they need to tackle the problems of these critical times. When they feel overwhelmed, sustain them as they give You their burdens. May they seek to be totally dependent on You for their guidance and strength. Free them from the chains of doubt, anxiety, and fear. May Your sovereign might abound in their lives. We pray in Your revered Name. Amen.” Then, the Senate’s presiding officer leads the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senate historians note : “The American flag had become a standard fixture in the Senate Chamber by the 1930s, placed directly behind the presiding officer. A half century later, as the Senate began televised coverage of its floor proceedings, the flag was moved to the presiding officer’s right side so as not to appear to be bisecting that official’s head on television screens. To balance the American flag, the Senate created a flag of its own—displaying the Senate seal on a field of dark blue—and placed it to the presiding officer’s left. Congress formally recognized the Pledge of Allegiance—first written in 1892—on December 28, 1945. In 1999, a New Hampshire resident contacted the office of Senator Robert Smith to inquire why the Senate did not follow the House, which had incorporated the Pledge into its proceedings 11 years earlier. Spurred by this inquiry, the Senate amended its standing rules on June 23, 1999, providing for the presiding officer to lead the body in the Pledge at the start of each daily session.” The Pledge provides a formal reminder of our collective allegiance to our country as we begin our work. It reminds that while our views and the views of the constituents we represent vary, we are all Americans—guided by our love of country and our job to sustain and strengthen the extraordinary Republic in which we have been entrusted. We are a “Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” # # #