Most people think civic education is the missing piece our country has been searching for: until they see the historic steps being taken right now across the state of Alabama and the halls of Congress.
Welcome to your daily update from Pledge Allegiance. Today is Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and we are witnessing a "Civics Renaissance" that is moving from the classroom into the hearts of our communities. From veteran-built flag kits to landmark federal legislation, the commitment to our nation’s founding principles has never been stronger.
Dive into today's top stories to see how you can be part of this movement.
Alabama Leads the Way with Flags of Valor Kids Kit Initiative
In a massive win for hands-on civic learning, Alabama has been selected to lead a national pilot program that puts the power of patriotism directly into the hands of its youth. The Flags of Valor Alabama Kids Kit Initiative aims to distribute 250,000 veteran-built wooden American flag kits to students across every single school district in the state.
Supported by a $2.5 million sponsorship goal, this initiative is about more than just woodworking; it’s about connection. Students don’t just build a flag: they learn the history and meaning behind every star and stripe. Once completed, students deliver these finished flags to local veterans and nursing home residents, creating a powerful intergenerational bond.
Governor Kay Ivey has officially endorsed the program, stating, "Civic education is the missing piece our country has been searching for." She positioned Alabama as the "stamp" of approval for this national model.
The program is led by Brian Steorts, a former Army paratrooper and Air Force special operations pilot. Steorts, the founder of Flags of Valor, has a deep personal connection to the state of Alabama and believes that teaching the "why" behind the flag is essential for the next generation of leaders.
- Impact: 250,000 students statewide.
- Mission: Combine craft, history, and community service.
- Goal: $2.5M in community and corporate sponsorship to ensure every child participates.
Jax State Sets the "Gold Standard" for Teacher Professional Development
While students are building flags, Alabama’s educators are deepening their own understanding of the American story. Nearly 100 educators recently completed the inaugural Summer Civics Seminar at Jacksonville State University (Jax State).
Supported by a massive $2.6 million U.S. Department of Education grant, this six-day intensive program provided over 5,400 hours of professional development credit. Teachers didn’t just sit in a lecture hall; they walked Alabama’s historic Civil Rights Trail, connecting the classroom to the lived experiences of those who fought for the "Liberty and Justice" mentioned in our Pledge.
Dr. Benjamin Gross, Director of the Center for Leadership and American Principles (CLAP) at Jax State, is the visionary behind the grant. He called the program "the new gold standard" for civic education. By equipping teachers with primary sources and experiential learning, Jax State is ensuring that the educators of today are prepared to inspire the citizens of tomorrow.
Legislative Spotlight: The Promoting American Patriotism in Our Schools Act
In Washington, Representative Dale Strong is championing federal legislation that aims to bring consistency to how our nation’s schools honor our heritage. The Promoting American Patriotism in Our Schools Act (H.R. 1351) would require the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the display of the American flag in every public school classroom and gymnasium.
Under this act, these patriotic practices would become a condition for receiving federal funding. The bill also mandates that schools incorporate educational materials regarding the history and significance of the flag into their curricula.
"We need to re-emphasize patriotism," Rep. Strong has stated, noting that starting the day with the Pledge grounds students in a shared national identity. While the bill includes protections for individual students to opt out for personal or religious reasons, it sets a clear standard for the environment in which our children are educated.
Growing the Mission: Pledge Allegiance Program Updates
At Pledge Allegiance, we are working double-time to support these initiatives with our own specialized resources. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches in 2026, we are seeing record-breaking engagement across our core platforms.
Facts-First Framework
Our signature Facts-First Framework continues to be adopted by school districts nationwide. By breaking down the Pledge into its historical and linguistic components, we replace vague assumptions with concrete knowledge. You can explore how we teach the "Heart of the Message" on our offerings page.
National Civil Discourse Training
Unity doesn’t mean we always agree: it means we know how to disagree with respect. Our National Civil Discourse Training Program is expanding this month to include community dialogue kits designed for local libraries and town halls. We are creating spaces for informed participation rather than divisive debate.
Oral History Kits
Our Oral History Kits have reached a new milestone in distribution. These kits allow families and schools to record the stories of local veterans and community leaders. As we look toward the Semiquincentennial, preserving these voices is more critical than ever.
How You Can Join the Civic Renaissance
Whether you are an educator looking for the best professional development, a veteran wishing to share your story, or a parent who wants their child to understand the value of citizenship: there is a place for you here.
We invite you to explore our resources, learn about our mission, and consider supporting our work. Your contribution helps us provide materials to schools and organizations that are working to rebuild the foundation of our democracy.
Take Action Today:
- Educators: Apply for our next round of classroom grants and resources.
- Veterans: Use our Oral History Kits to ensure your legacy is never forgotten.
- Citizens: Join the conversation. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about H.R. 1351 and other legislative updates.
Let’s ensure that "One Nation, Under God, Indivisible" is more than just a phrase: let’s make it our reality.
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