History Our History The American Fraternal Alliance has a rich history dating back to 1886. For more than 120 years, the American Fraternal Alliance has provided its member-societies an opportunity to connect with each other and focus on issues of mutual concern. Together, member-societies successfully have helped add “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and have named the founding location of National Flag Day a national shrine. Click here to read “What is a fraternal benefit society?” Click here for a list of past chairs of the board (known as president from 1886-2001). Click here for the American Fraternal Alliance timeline. Click here for a list of name and status changes for fraternal benefit societies.