A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT adopting the salute to the flag of north carolina as the official pledge to the state flag.
Whereas, an official State flag was first recognized in 1861, with a new design adopted in 1885; and
Whereas, in 1907 the General Assembly enacted legislation requiring the flag to be displayed at all State institutions, public buildings, and courthouses; and
Whereas, many organizations and groups use the salute to the North Carolina flag at their meetings and conventions; and
Whereas, there is no record of an official pledge to the State flag having been adopted; and
Whereas, for the purpose of promoting greater loyalty and respect to the State of North Carolina and inasmuch as a special act of the legislature adopted an emblem of our government known as the North Carolina flag; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 144 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 144‑8.  State salute to the North Carolina flag.
The phrase "I salute the flag of North Carolina and pledge to the Old North State love, loyalty, and faith." is adopted as the official salute to the North Carolina flag."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.