I grew up in Oregon. We don't have a state pledge, but we did do the Pledge of Allegiance when I was a kid. Now that I look back at it, the Pledge of Allegiance does seem really weird. After moving to Texas, I found out that Texas has its own state pledge as well. Of course I had to look into this more. Come to find out, there are 16 other states that have pledges.

 

  • Alabama (adopted in 2001)
    • Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life.
  • Arkansas (adopted in 1953)
    • I salute the Arkansas Flag with its diamond and stars. We pledge our loyalty to thee.
  • Georgia (adopted in 1935)
    • I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands; Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.
  • Kentucky (adopted in 2000)
    • I pledge allegiance to the Kentucky flag, and to the Sovereign State for which it stands, one Commonwealth, blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty, and grace from on High.
  • Louisiana (adopted in 1981)
    • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the state of Louisiana and to the motto for which it stands: A state, under God, united in purpose and ideals, confident that justice shall prevail for all of those abiding here.
  • Michigan (adopted in 1972)
    • I pledge allegiance to the flag of Michigan, and to the state for which it stands, 2 beautiful peninsulas united by a bridge of steel, where equal opportunity and justice to all is our ideal.
  • Mississippi (adopted in 1972)
    • I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God.
  • New Mexico (adopted in 1963)
    • I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures.
  • North Carolina (adopted in 2007)
    • I salute the flag of North Carolina and pledge to the Old North State love, loyalty, and faith.
  • Ohio (adopted in 2002)
    • I salute the flag of the state of Ohio and pledge to the Buckeye State respect and loyalty.
  • Oklahoma (adopted in 1982)
    • I salute the flag of the State of Oklahoma. Its symbols of peace unite all people.
  • Rhode Island (adopted in 1910)
    • I pledge allegiance to our State Flag, and to the Republic of which Rhode Island forms a part; one Union inseparable, with honor and reverence for both State and Nation.
  • South Carolina (adopted in 1966)
    • I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty and faith.
  • South Dakota (adopted in 1987)
    • I pledge loyalty and support to the flag and State of South Dakota, land of sunshine, land of infinite variety.
  • Tennessee (adopted in 2006)
    • First official salute:
      Three white stars on a field of blue
      God keep them strong and ever true
      It is with pride and love that we
      Salute the Flag of Tennessee.
    • Second official salute:
      Flag of Tennessee, I salute thee
      To thee I pledge my allegiance with
      My affection, my service and my life.
  • Texas (adopted in 1933)
    • Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
    • Here is some more info on the Texas pledge:
      • "The pledge of allegiance to the state flag was originally passed by the state legislature in 1933. The original pledge began, "Honor the Texas Flag of 1836." This was changed in 1965 since the Lone Star Flag is not the 1836 flag. The current version with the words, "one state under God," became effective in 2007. Texas schoolchildren are required to recite the pledge between the American pledge and a minute of silence (parents may request exemption)."
  • Virginia (adopted in 1954)
    • I salute the flag of Virginia, with reverence and patriotic devotion to the ‘Mother of States and statesmen,’ which it represents—the ‘Old Dominion,’ where liberty and independence were born.

Now, I know I called the Pledge of Allegiance 'weird' above. I'm not saying it's bad, but it does seem odd to me. For one, there's a line that says "One nation, under God." What about the separation of church and state? This is something that has boggled my brain since I was reciting the pledge back in elementary school.

Oh, and if you love the Pledge of Allegiance but hate socialism, well, a socialist wrote the Pledge of Allegiance. CLICK HERE to find out more.

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