I remember reading that prior to WWII the words “I pledge allegiance” were said with the hand over the heart. With the words “to the flag” the arm was extended palm up towards the flag and remained in that position until the recitation was finished.
Yep. Probably stopped because of hitler. My post #9 has a link to a picture on wiki that shows that salute.
There aren’t many advantages to being old but I remember making the pledge as you describe. In a one-room country school with a total of 23 students in eight grades too!