Download all starters for this pathway (.pdf) Many Americans grew up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each day at school. Many new American citizens recited an Oath of Allegiance to the United States as part of their naturalization ceremony. The starters in this pathway explore the role of pledges and oaths of allegiance in forging national identity and defining national values. Starters and Issues Issue 1: What is the history of our Pledge of Allegiance, and how have its words and meaning changed? Issue 2: Should we ask our students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day in school? Issue 3: What are the values we should ask new citizens to affirm in the Oath of Allegiance? Issue 4: Should all American citizens be required to take an Oath of Allegiance? Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.