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

When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we express loyalty to the United States as a whole. The Pledge serves as a declaration of commitment to the ideals and principles that the nation represents, including freedom, democracy, and justice. It emphasizes our allegiance to the collective identity of the country, which encompasses its people, values, and sovereignty.

Although the flag is mentioned in the Pledge, and it is a powerful national symbol, the overall sentiment of loyalty pertains directly to the nation itself, rather than just the flag or any individual component such as the Constitution or the President. These elements are important parts of American identity, but the Pledge unites us under the banner of the country as a whole.