| The original Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy, first appeared in a children's magazine on September 8, 1892. He wrote it to honor the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America. The following month, on October 12, 1892, 12 million children first recited the pledge in public schools in celebration of Columbus Day. The pledge has changed slightly since then to become the version we know today. 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 following should be used to study for your Patriot Quest. Study well Patriots! |
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| Flag Etiquette Rules - Activity 2 Out of the pain, anguish, and suffering of our Nation's birth, in the midst of a bitter war for independence, there emerged on June 14, 1777, our national emblem - the Flag of the United States. It is a beautiful flag combining the blue of vigilance, perserverance and justice, with the white of purity and the red of hardiness and valor. It is a symbol of freedom that has lifted the hearts of Americans down through the years. It has been said that our stars and stripes is a "living" flag. It grows as our nation grows, adding a star for each new state taken into our union. |
| Flag Etiquette Rules |
| 1. How do you show respect for the flag when it passes in a parade or when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? A. Face the flag B. Stand at attention C. Place your right hand over your heart D. Remove any non-religious headdress (hats and caps) 2. It is the universal custom to display the Flag only from sunrise to sunset, however, the Flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated at night. How can you do that? - Have a light shining directly on it 3. If you are given the honor of raising and lowering the American flag, what two procedures should be followed? A. Never let the Flag touch the ground. B. The Flag should be hoisted (raised) briskly (quickly) and lowered ceremoniously (with respect) 4. If several flags are flown at one time, what is the proper placement for the Stars and Stripes? - The Flag should be given the top position on the flagpole. |
| Public Officials and terms - Activity 3 |
| 1. Name the President and Vice President of the United States and how long is their terrm considered to be? A. The President of the United States is currently George W. Bush and the Vice-President is Richard (Dick) Cheney. B. The term for president and vice-president is a four year term. They may only be re-elected in the same office twice, thus serving a maximum of eight years in the office. 2. Who are the US Senators from Maryland and how long is their term considered to be? A. One of our US Senators is Barbara Mikulski and our newest US Senator is Ben Cardin. B. The term for US Senator is a six year term. There is currently no limit on how often a senator can be re-elected. Every two years, one-third of the Senate is up for re-election. 3. Name a Maryland Congressional Representative and how long is his/her term considered to be? A. Choose one of our current Congressional Representatives. B. The term for a US Congressman/Congresswoman is a two year term. There is currently no limit on how often a congress person can be re-elected. |
| I pledge (promise) allegiance (loyalty to one's country or government) to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic (nation in which the citizens elect representatives to manage the government, which is usually headed by a president) for which it stands, one Nation (people occupying the same country, united under the same government, and usually speaking the same language) under God, indivisible (cannot be divided) with liberty (freedom) and justice (equality under the law) for all. |
| The Pledge of Allegiance - Activity 1 |