Texas is a state of great pride and patriotism. There are many symbols of the Lone Star State that bring citizens together in a show of solidarity and shared values. One such symbol is the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas, also known as the “Texas Pledge” or “Texas Loyalty Oath”.
This pledge has been in use since it was adopted by the Texas legislature in 1933 and is still recited today in schools, government offices, and other places across the state.
The Texas Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance to Texas reads:
“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”
The intent behind this pledge is to show respect for and loyalty to the state of Texas. It serves as an expression of commitment to the values and principles that make up Texas’s unique identity. For example, by pledging allegiance to one state under God, citizens are expressing their belief in religious freedom and their commitment to honoring a higher power than any government or political entity. Similarly, by expressing fealty to a single indivisible state, citizens are proclaiming their unity with each other despite regional and cultural differences.
In addition to being a symbolic gesture of loyalty, the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas has become a part of day-to-day life in the Lone Star State. In many public schools across Texas, students begin each day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance along with the American Pledge. Additionally, many government offices require employees to recite the pledge at least once a year.
For those looking for more information on this important part of Texan culture and history, there are several great resources available online.
- The official website for The Adjutant General’s Department in Texas includes an overview of the state’s flag code as well as its loyalty oaths (https://tmd.texas.gov/flag-code).
- Additionally, The Handbook Of Texas Online provides an in-depth look at both historical and contemporary aspects regarding pledges like this one (https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/dcp01).
- Finally, The United States Flag Store offers a wide range of items related to Texan pride including flags featuring both versions of the pledge (https://www.united-states-flag.com/texas_pledge_of_allegiance_flags).
Ultimately, no matter where you live or what your beliefs may be, taking part in this simple but powerful act can help create a feeling of connectedness among all Texans—something that is especially important during times like these when we face so many challenges both individually and collectively.
Whether you choose to recite it daily or just during special occasions such as holidays or special events honoring our state’s veterans—the Pledge of Allegiance to Texas is a powerful reminder that we are one people united under one flag: The Lone Star State!
The Flags of the State of Texas
The flag of the State of Texas has come to represent the Lone Star State in all its glory, and is one of the most recognizable flags in the world. In this blog post, we will explore the history, symbolism, design and variations of the Texas state flag, as well as some interesting facts about it.
The History of the Texas State Flag
The current flag of Texas was adopted in 1845 when Texas became an independent republic and declared its independence from Mexico. The design was based on a proposal by Dr. Charles B. Stewart, who was a member of the Convention of 1836 that wrote the first constitution for Texas. The original design had two gold stars instead of one, but these were removed in 1839 for unknown reasons.
The design features an azure blue background with a vertical stripe at each end — one white, one red — and a single white star centered on the blue field. The colors are believed to represent courage (white), loyalty (red), and purity (blue). The single star is believed to represent “all Texans” or “unity” — although there are several theories as to why it is only one star — while some say it symbolizes how no matter what happens, Texans will always be united under that single star.
Design & Variations
The design of the Texas state flag is simple yet powerful — using only three colors: white, red and blue; with a single white star centered on an azure blue field between two vertical stripes — one white and one red. While the proportions have changed slightly over time due to changes in technology, shape and size remain consistent today.
In addition to the standard version of the flag, there are many variations that have been created over time to honor various people or events in Texas history. These include flags featuring different colors or symbols such as black stars or stripes; flags with images such as a longhorn steer or arms; flags with text such as “Remember Goliad”; and even flags featuring historic figures such as Stephen F Austin or Sam Houston.
Interesting Facts About The Flag Of Texas
- The colors of the flag are based on those used by Spain during their rule over Mexico prior to Texas’s independence from Mexico in 1836.
- The colors also represent courage (white), loyalty (red), purity (blue), peace (white), hardiness (red) and vigilance (blue).
- It is illegal for any other organization or business to use any variation of the official state flag without express written permission from either the Governor or Secretary of State in Texas.
- Although there have been some changes made over time to adjust for modern technology, shape and size remain consistent today.
- On January 25th every year Texans celebrate “Texas Flag Day” – honoring both current & historical versions of their beloved state banner!
- On June 14th every year Americans celebrate “Flag Day” – honoring both current & historical American Flags!
- The single star on the Texas flag is known as “the Lone Star”. It is believed to represent all Texans – no matter where they live – under one united symbol!
- There have been five different versions of the official Texas state flag since it was adopted in 1845 – including two versions adopted during World War II due to rationing restrictions on cloth materials!
Local Sources & Further Reading:
- 1) History Of The Flag Of Texas – https://www.tslac.org/texas-history-and-culture/texas-symbols/history-of-the-flag-of-texas/
- 2) A Guide To Understanding The Stars And Stripes – https://www.americanlegionpost25nc.org/a-guide-to-understanding-the-stars-and-stripes/
- 3) Flags Of Our Fathers: Remembering America’s Heroes – https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/vd17hv3222txflags/flags-of-our-fathersrememberingamericasheroes/#4
- 4) Remember Goliad – https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/jbr02
- 5) Stephen F Austin – https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fau01
- 6) Sam Houston – https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fho22
FAQ
Q: What is the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas?
A: The Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas is a pledge of loyalty and reverence to the state and its citizens. It reads: “Honor the Texas Flag of 1836; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”
Q: When was the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas adopted?
A: The Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas was adopted by the Texas Legislature in 1933.
Q: How does the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas differ from the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?
A: The Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas is unique in that it recognizes the 1836 Republic of Texas Flag, which is different from the current Texas State Flag. Additionally, the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas includes the phrase “one and indivisible,” which is not included in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance.
Q: Is it mandatory to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Texas?
A: It is not
Originally posted 2022-12-24 07:38:47.