The Pledge of Allegiance - HISTORY

Take a look back at the origins of and history behind the customary salute to the American flag.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

Samuel Gompers, founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), discusses the effects of World War I on the United States.

The top secret "nuclear football" accompanies the president at all times.

On October 8, 1974, in an address to a joint session of Congress broadcast live over radio and television, President Gerald Ford introduces his WIN, or Whip Inflation Now, program to improve the economy.

At the 1948 Socialist Party Convention held in Reading, Pennsylvania, Norman Thomas announces he will reverse his decision against running for president and will accept his party's nomination after all.

As the hosts of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil was one of the favorites to win the whole tournament. Discover how that dream turned into a nightmare for the South American nation, when it was handed its biggest defeat in World Cup history at the hands of Germany.