Friends,
Happy Monday. It is July 27, 2026, and as I sit here looking out over the landscape of our great nation during this America 250th anniversary season, I find myself deeply moved by the stories that built our foundation. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of walking through the newly opened Spirit of '76 exhibit at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. If you haven’t had the chance to visit yet: or if you aren’t near the capital: I want to bring a piece of it to you today.
There is something transformative about standing among the statues of the "12 Soldiers of the Revolution." These aren't just names in a dusty textbook; they are the bronze personifications of the diverse, gritty, and determined individuals who decided that "liberty" was a word worth dying for. From Caesar Rodney’s midnight ride to the quiet, stoic sacrifice of the Prison Ship Martyrs, the exhibit reminds us that the "Spirit of '76" wasn't a fleeting moment: it was a fire that required constant tending.
But as I walked among these heroes, a sobering thought crossed my mind, reinforced by a recent national poll on civic education. We are celebrating 250 years of independence, yet the data shows we are drifting further away from understanding the very mechanics of that freedom.
The Heart of Our Message: Replacing Assumptions with Knowledge
At Pledge Allegiance, we’ve always said that our mission is to replace assumptions with actual knowledge. You see, most people think they understand our national traditions simply because they’ve practiced them since kindergarten. You might think you know the Pledge of Allegiance history by heart because you can recite the words in your sleep. But do you truly know the why?
The recent poll results are a wake-up call for all of us. When asked about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, a staggering number of Americans couldn't identify its origin or the significant changes it has undergone over the last century. Even more concerning, the poll highlighted a massive gap in basic civics: many struggled to explain the core American values that the Pledge was designed to reinforce.
This is exactly why we do what we do. We don't want you to just recite; we want you to realize. We want to take you beyond the ceremony and into the heart of what it means to be an American citizen.
Understanding the "Spirit of '76" Today
The Spirit of '76 exhibit isn't just a tribute to the past; it’s a mirror for the present. When you look at the statue of Jack Sisson or Salem Poor, you’re looking at men who fought for a country that hadn't yet fully recognized their own rights. That is the ultimate act of faith in a civic ideal.
How do we honor that faith in 2026? We do it by becoming informed participants in our democracy. Civic education isn't just for students in a classroom: it’s a lifelong responsibility for every one of us. Whether you are a veteran who has worn the uniform or a parent teaching your child how to place their hand over their heart, you are a steward of this legacy.
The poll showed that while patriotism remains high, "functional civics": knowing how our government works and the history of our shared symbols: is at an all-time low. This "knowledge gap" is the space where divisiveness grows. When we don't understand our history, we fill the void with assumptions. And as I’ve seen time and again, assumptions are the enemy of unity.
The Pledge of Allegiance Meaning: More Than Just Words
Let’s talk about the Pledge of Allegiance meaning for a moment. When Francis Bellamy first penned those words in 1892, he wasn't just looking for a school exercise. He was looking for a way to weave a diverse nation together. Over the years, the Pledge has evolved, reflecting the changing landscape of our country: from the National Flag Conference of 1923 to the addition of "Under God" in 1954.
Each change tells a story of an America trying to define itself. If you understand the Pledge of Allegiance history, you understand the story of America's growth. You see a nation that is constantly striving to live up to the promise of "liberty and justice for all."
In our Daily Letter from the CEO: America at 250, I spoke about how these traditions are the threads that hold our social fabric together. If we let those threads fray through ignorance, the whole tapestry begins to unravel.
Dive Deep: How You Can Make an Impact
You don't have to be a historian to be a leader in your community. You just have to be curious. Here is how you can help us bridge the knowledge gap during this America 250th anniversary:
- Hook your family on history. Take a trip to a local monument or museum. Use the Spirit of '76 exhibit as a talking point at dinner tonight. Who was Caesar Rodney, and why does his ride matter?
- Address the gap in your schools. Check in with your local educators. Are they using the resources provided by Pledge Allegiance? We offer classroom programs that break down each phrase of the Pledge with historical context: not just rote memorization.
- Outline the values you stand for. What does "Indivisible" mean to you personally? Write it down. Share it with a neighbor. These conversations spark the community dialogue we so desperately need.
- Summarize your commitment. Make a choice today to learn one new fact about our founding or our civic traditions. Knowledge is the ultimate form of patriotism.
A Call to Action for Every Patriot
I want to challenge you today. We are in the middle of a historic year. The eyes of the world are on us as we celebrate two and a half centuries of this "great experiment." Don't let this year pass by as just another holiday or a series of fireworks displays.
Invest in your own civic literacy.
Download our educational resources or sign up for our newsletter to receive historical insights directly in your inbox. When you support Pledge Allegiance, you aren't just funding a non-profit; you are funding the "sacred fire of liberty" that George Washington spoke about. You are ensuring that the stories of the 12 Soldiers and the martyrs on the prison ships are never forgotten.
Closing Thoughts: The Future is Informed
As I left Freedom Plaza, I looked up at the 23-foot "Spirit of Liberty" statue. She stands tall, holding the Declaration, reminding us that the fate of the republican model of government rests with us: the people.
It doesn't rest with the politicians or the pundits. It rests with the everyday American who takes the time to understand the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and the weight of the words they speak. It rests with you.
Let’s stop assuming we know our story and start making sure we actually do. Let’s honor the Spirit of '76 by becoming the most informed, engaged, and united generation of Americans yet.
Stay bold, stay curious, and as always, stay true to the red, white, and blue.
Dan Kost
CEO, Pledge Allegiance
