In all of the US, only seventeen states use a state pledge. Pledges like these are independent of the main Pledge of Allegiance. One state with its Pledge is the Lone Star State. We’ll be talking about Texas and its Pledge of Allegiance.
This article will tackle everything that pledges allegiance to Texas as relevant today as it was years ago. We’ll look through the pledge’s components, the connection to the Texas flag as well as its history. Let’s dive in!
The Texas Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge to the Texas state flag is as follows:
“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, One and indivisible”.
There are several components to remember about the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas. These include:
- Allegiance to thee, Texas
- One state under God
- One and indivisible
These pledge parts symbolize the overall values and spirit each living in this grand state should live by.
Allegiance to Thee, Texas
This statement is a no-brainer. The point of a state pledge is to showcase one’s dedication to the place they were born and live in. In this case, to Texas through and through.
One State Under God
The United States remains a profoundly religious country, and Texas, as a part of it, is no exception. Over 64% of the people in the state are considered religious or spiritual. More than half of the citizens know the importance of God and religion to their everyday existence.
One and Indivisible
This section focuses a lot more on unity. It’s the overarching tendency of like-minded individuals to stand together as one community. The statement reminds all Texans that we can be great by standing together.
The Flags of the State of Texas
The Pledge of Allegiance to Texas centers on the Texas state flag—the proverbial symbol of this state’s pride. These below are the only official state flags recognized by the government:
| Date | National Flag | Appearance |
| 1836 | National Standard | Sections of red, white, and blue with a large white star |
| 1836 | National Flag for the Naval Service | 14 alternating red and white stripes with a white star on a section of blue |
| 1839 | National Flag | Sections of red, white and blue with a large white star |
The National Standard Flag
Then-president Sam Houston approved the National Standard Flag on the tenth of December in 1836. This flag was proudly displayed all over Texas until the next flag was officially adopted in January 1838.
The Pledge of Allegiance to Texas was implying first to the 1836 National State Flag of Texas. It wasn’t saluting to the Lone Star Flag we know today. This was before the law was changed to correct that mistake in 1965.
The National Flag
This flag has been dubbed fondly by Texans as the Lone Star Flag. The bill for this flag was first presented on the 28th of December in 1838. Senator William H. Wharton proposed it. The committee for the bill suggested a similar one but with a different flag design.
This design will afterward be the now-established National flag of Texas. After the 21st of January, 1839, when Congress passed the bill, the then-president of Texas accepted it. On the 25th of January, 1838, Texas had its longstanding state flag.
The History of the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas
The Pledge of Allegiance to Texas didn’t just appear out of the blue. It’s one of the oldest established pledges for any US state. Here are just some of the history you need to know about the Texas state pledge:
- The pledge came about from a law dating back to 1933.
- The statement of the pledge made a mistake.
- The law itself was revised in 2007.
The Pledge Came About From a Law Dating Back to 1933
The law was for the proper use, handling, and showing of the Texas state flag. The law also offered an additional pledge for the flag as a salute to the state. The pledge during that time stated: “Honor the Texas Flag of 1836; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible.”
The Statement of the Pledge Made a Mistake
Another bill addressed using 1836 instead of 1839 in the pledge. It needed to be changed to show the significance of the current flag. The Pledge went unchanged for 32 years.
The Law Itself Was Revised in 2007
The law was again changed in 2007 by House Bill 1034. During this time, the lawmakers further added to the wording of the pledge of allegiance. They added “one state under God” to fully round the state pledge.
Texas State Pledge FAQs
Is the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas Mandatory in All Schools?
The state of Texas, like any other state, has an education code. The code says explicitly that students must read out or recite the state pledge in all Texas schools. If students have written notices from their parents or guardians, they can be excused from this practice. This can be because of religious, cultural, or personal preferences.
Why Do We Need to Say the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas?
There’s no doubt that the state of Texas has a rich history. This part of the United States has been considered a sovereign nation. People shouldn’t forget all of the hardships and triumphs of this place. All Texans should say the pledge as a tribute to everything Texas stands for. This is how truly devout members show respect as the Texas state flag proudly flies in the sky.
References:
- use a state pledge – wideopencountry.com
- “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, One and indivisible” – study.com
- changed in 2007 – statutes.capitol.texas.gov
- required to read out – statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
