What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

When we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we express our loyalty to the United States as a whole. The Pledge serves as a formal declaration of allegiance to the nation, reflecting our commitment to its principles, values, and the unified identity of all its citizens. By pledging allegiance, we affirm our dedication to the ideals of democracy, liberty, and justice that the country stands for.

While the flag represents the nation and is a symbol of our loyalty, the Pledge specifically articulates allegiance to the United States itself. Loyalty to the Constitution and the President may be aspects of civic duty and responsibility, but they are not the primary focus of the Pledge. The Pledge encapsulates the broader concept of national loyalty that transcends individual leaders and documents.