Patriotic kids receive free ice cream for reciting Pledge of Allegiance

If your kids love America and ice cream, then The I Pledge Project was made just for them. 

In addition to being the month in which we celebrate the birth of our nation, July is also National Ice Cream month. The I Pledge Project combines the two celebrations, rewarding kids 12 and under every Monday in July with a free ice cream cone for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance from memory. 

The project kicked off in 2010 when Stratton Leopold, owner of Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, Georgia, dreamed of a way to reward patriotism in kids. When a customer suggested the idea, he was all in. 

Leopold, the project’s website says, believes “nothing is as American as kids and ice cream.” 

“We couldn’t believe the enthusiasm this generated from kids and parents alike,” he explained. “What a positive way to celebrate National Ice Cream month, which falls in July.” 

While it was an instant hit locally, taking the project national has been a bit of a challenge – though one Leopold is determined to meet. Not only does he actively reach out to independent ice cream shops all over the country, he also provides free promotional materials, and promotes participating shops online via the project’s website.  

The project is promoted nationally through Facebook and X beginning July 1 every year. There also is a YouTube channel where patriotic ice cream lovers can upload videos of their family and friends reciting the Pledge. YouTube United, Communities United and actor Jim Caviezel, are just a few of the notable contributors who have uploaded videos of themselves reciting the Pledge. 

Leopold’s efforts to take the campaign national received a big boost when Visit Savannah decided to throw in its support. 

“Independent ice cream shops like Leopold’s Ice Cream create an important sense of community,” said Joe Marinelli, President of the Visit Savannah. “The ‘I Pledge’ Campaign is a perfect example of the positive influence they can have with children and families.” 

An employee of the Eskimo King Ice Cream shop in Massachusetts told WJAR, a local NBC affiliate, the shop has been participating for years in the deliciously patriotic project. 

“Nancy the owner, she saw it at an ice cream shop in Savannah and she loved the idea of bringing patriotism back into early age,” employee Lauren Morra said. 

“It’s fun to see them of all ages, especially the young kids because they get nervous when they’re trying to recite it and sometimes they have an older sibling that’s guiding them along. It’s so cute. You can tell they’re happy with themselves, they’re proud and they’re excited to get some free ice cream on top of it.” 

Click here for a participating location near you.