ATLANTA (March 19, 2009) – Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) believes in a strong United States and Georgia history curriculum for elementary and secondary school children. This is why he recently introduced the Study of the Pledge of Allegiance and Georgia Flag in Schools Bill (SB 518).
“The United States is the greatest country in the World, founded on the principles of life, liberty and justice for all. As one of the original Thirteen Colonies, Georgia is rich in her American and state history. As Georgians, we should be proud of our heritage and the Pledge of Allegiance and Georgia flag played a significant role in history,” said Mullis. “By learning from our history, we take on the challenges of today and work to make Georgia an even better state.”
This bill 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.
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. Georgia legislative session days open with the recitation of this pledge, which is an oath of loyalty to the Republic of United States of America. Not many realize that the Pledge was altered several times after 1892, which makes its history important. 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.
On May 8, 2003, Governor Sonny Perdue signed H.B. 380 creating a new state flag for Georgia. The act became effective immediately, giving Georgia its third state flag in a period of 27 months. Support for the new flag came from critics of the 2001 flag and those who felt there should be a public referendum on the state flag. The legislation also provided for a statewide advisory referendum on March 2, 2004, at which time voters will choose between the 2001 and 2003 flags. However, results of the referendum are not binding, and any future flag change will require an act of the General Assembly.
Georgia’s new 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.
In 1879, state senator Herman H. Perry introduced legislation giving Georgia its first official state flag. History does not record who made the first Georgia state flag, when it was made, what it looked like, or who authorized its creation. Probably, the banner originated in one of the numerous militia units that existed in antebellum Georgia. In 1861, a new provision was added to Georgia’s code requiring the governor to supply regimental flags to Georgia militia units assigned to fight outside the state. These flags were to depict the “arms of the State” and the name of the regiment, but the code gave no indication as to the color to be used on the arms or the flag’s background.
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 19, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028