Children get free ice cream scoop for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Internet says 'it feels good'

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA: Across America, children aged 12 and under are discovering that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance isn't just a patriotic duty—it's a delicious way to earn a free scoop of ice cream.

Welcome to the 'I Pledge Project,' a heartwarming initiative pioneered by Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia, now spreading its joyous tradition to ice cream shops nationwide.

The evolution of the 'I Pledge Project'

Now celebrating its 14th year, the 'I Pledge Project' began as a Fourth of July tradition started in 2010 at Leopold's Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia but has blossomed into a month-long celebration during National Ice Cream Month every July.

"Our company's been rooted in patriotism since my dad served in World War I," Stratton Leopold said in a phone interview. "And my siblings – my brother – and cousins [served] in World War II," per Fox.

Inspired by a suggestion from Jan Macchi, a local teacher and customer, Mary Leopold expanded the idea to foster patriotism and engage children beyond just Independence Day.

The initiative was launched to "dedicate more time and focus on the kids rather than the Fourth of July specifically." Stemming from a strong family tradition of patriotism dating back to her father's service in World War I, the Leopolds have transformed a simple gesture of appreciation into a national movement.

"Mary serves on the board of the National Ice Cream Retailers Association. And we just said, 'What the heck, we're going to tell them about it,'" Leopold recalled. "And they gave us an award. Soon after the award, I became inflamed with the idea that every kid and every ice cream shop across the country should do this."

From Independence Day tradition to nationwide celebration

Recognized by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association for its impactful promotion, the "I Pledge Project" has grown to encompass ice cream shops in 42 states, with plans to expand further. "My dream is to have participation in all 50 states," Mary expressed. "We're so close, and we have a few outliers still."

Despite some remaining outliers, the Leopolds expressed satisfaction with the widespread impact of their project, emphasizing its role in promoting civic education among children.

"It feels good," Mary stated. "The community appreciates it. The kids appreciate it, you know?" 

"And all you have to do is give away a little bit of ice cream. It's just – it's a no-brainer," he added.

Accessible through their website, ipledgeforicecream.com, the project encourages children and families alike to visit participating shops, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and indulge in a delicious scoop of ice cream as a sweet reward for their patriotic spirit.

"We’ll reward your patriotic spirit with a free scoop of ice cream! It’s that simple! Make sure to bring your family and friends!" the website reads.

Netizens react to ice cream for pledge initiative

A social media user commented, "Love this! My kids learned it when they were 3 or 4 years old. We had a retired veteran in the neighborhood and every time they walked by his house they would stop, put their hand over their heart and say the Pledge by his mailbox (it had American Flags around it). My oldest taught his brother when he was 3 so they could say it together." [sic]

Another mocked, "Biden will recite it for free ice cream."

A social media user said, "Finally something not woke, a flag in every classroom, no pride flags allowed period! If you want to live in America and raise your kids here then they should know the flag and the pledge of allegiance and our constitution!!"

"I’m a proud educator who made the pledge our nonnegotiable part of our morning routine. Never received any push back - just taught it as it’s a way to honor the blessings and freedoms we have to live and participate in our wonderful country!" read a comment.

"Our 3’s, 4’s and 5 yr olds at the child care center that I work at, recite The Pledge of Allegiance every morning! There is nothing sweeter than hearing wee little voices pledge to and respect our beautiful flag and country with their little hands over their hearts," penned an individual. [sic]

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.