ATLANTA ( March 26, 2010) – Senate Bill 518, which amends Georgia code to include the study of the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag and the Georgia flag in elementary and secondary schools history curriculum, passed the Senate unanimously. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R- Chickamauga).
“Throughout our country’s rich history, men and women have bravely given their lives under our nation and state flags. We owe it to these brave soldiers to teach our children about this heritage and how the Pledge of Allegiance and Georgia’s flag have played a significant role in our history,” said Mullis. “It is only by learning from our past, that we can truly appreciate the gifts that we have all been given as Georgians and as Americans.”
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, was originally written in August, 1892 by an American Baptist minister and active social activist, Francis Bellamy. The Pledge was first used in public schools on October 12, 1892 during Columbus Day celebrations, after a proclamation made by President Benjamin Harrison. Over 12 million children recited the Pledge of Allegiance that day, thereby beginning a school day ritual. On June 22, 1942, the Pledge of Allegiance was recognized as the official national pledge, by the U.S Congress.
The current Georgia state flag is based on the first national flag of the Confederacy (the “Stars and Bars”) and consists of a field of three horizontal bars of equal width, two red separated by a white bar in the center. In the upper left corner is a square blue canton the width of two bars. In the center of the canton is a circle of 13 white stars, symbolizing Georgia and the other 12 original states that formed the United States of America. Within the circle of stars is Georgia’s coat of arms (the central design on the state seal) immediately above the words “In God We Trust” — both in gold.
Sen. Jeff Mullis serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He represents the 53rd Senate district which includes Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties and portions of Catoosa County. He can be reached at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.0057 or by email at jeff.mullis@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
natalie.strong@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028