1997 US Code
Title 36 - PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES AND OBSERVANCES
CHAPTER 10 - PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS
Sec. 172 - Pledge of allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.

(June 22, 1942, ch. 435, §7, 56 Stat. 380; Dec. 22, 1942, ch. 806, §7, 56 Stat. 1077; Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 607, 59 Stat. 668; June 14, 1954, ch. 297, 68 Stat. 249; July 7, 1976, Pub. L. 94–344, §1(19), 90 Stat. 813.)

1976—Pub. L. 94–344 inserted requirement that during rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, all persons should face the flag and men with headdress except those in uniform should remove their headdress and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

1954—Act June 14, 1954, inserted “under God,” in the pledge.

1945—Act Dec. 28, 1945, inserted “The following is designated as”, inserted the period after “justice for all.”, and struck out “is rendered by standing with the right hand over the heart.” in first sentence, and inserted sentence “Such pledge should be rendered by standing with the right hand over the heart.”

1942—Act Dec. 22, 1942, struck out “extending the right hand, palm upward, toward the flag at the words ‘to the flag’ and holding this position until the end, when the hand drops to the side.” at end of first sentence.

This section is referred to in section 178 of this title.