I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
The above was written as an entry in a patriotic writing contest by William Tyler Page in 1917. Some of it is obvious to those that have an elementary knowledge of America’s history; the Declaration of Independence and Preamble of the Constitution jump off the page. Other points are more obscure coming from sources such as the Great Seal or the Federalist Papers. The second paragraph is a statement of our obligations as citizens.
This succinct amalgamation of basic beliefs; a mere one hundred words which sum up the essence of us drawn from the foundations of our unique political thought should be, especially today, ingrained in the hearts and minds of everyone that calls themselves an American.
The House of Representatives adopted Mr. Pages work in 1918 and in 1921 he published The Book of the American’s Creed which expands on the tenets found in this creed. At barely 65 pages and 12 short sections it's more pamphlet than book but it is a handy introduction to the truths which we once held as self evident.
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3 comments:
Even though it was written nearly a century ago, I can't find a word in there that I'd hesitate to say.
That's a pretty great summation. Good find.
Oh yeah and Happy Independence Day.
Thx King. Hope you had a good 4th.
I hear its a little warm in your neck of the woods.
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