American’s Creed offers reminder of strengths
Despite turmoil, nation has reasons to give thanks
I memorized the American’s Creed after I joined the Daughters of the American Revolution more than 20 years ago. The creed is recited at every chapter meeting and many of our official gatherings.
As the years passed, the powerful words of the creed have become increasingly meaningful to me. Every time I recite them, they remind me to be thankful I live in the United States. They remind me to be patriotic and to realize that sacrifices are sometimes required. They remind me I owe an allegiance to my country for the freedom I enjoy.
The American’s Creed was written in 1917, during a time of internal turmoil and dissension for the United States, much like today’s economic and political turbulence. Following America’s entry into World War I and the implementation of the military draft for every American man between ages 21 to 30, the country was full of domestic unrest and discord. By the summer of 1918 the war in Europe had forced the government to take control of industry, railroads, and food and fuel production. Taxes were raised to fund the war, postal rates went up, and some mail was being censored.
Amid this disorder, a nationwide essay contest was held to develop an American’s Creed – words that would define what it means to be an American. William Tyler Page of Friendship Heights, Md., a clerk for the House of Representatives, penned the winning entry. A descendant of President Tyler, Page had served as a congressional page in 1881.
These words helped heal the divide in the country when they were accepted 90 years ago, and I believe the words Page wrote nearly 100 years ago have that healing power today.
While it seems politicians in Washington, D.C., are working together presently, we know their political civility is tenuous and their trust across the aisle is fragile. While it seems those insatiable corporate leaders are on their way out, we know the damage left in their wake may take years to rectify.
Despite whispers of economic recovery, we know many may be without jobs for a long time before the economy picks up. We know the savings and retirement funds of millions of hard-working, middle-class Americans are the ones that took the brunt of the continued stock market losses, and we know it will be years before most of us feel financially safe again.
We also know many Americans are losing their homes – losing that piece of the American dream we all cherish. And while we know steps have been taken to end the housing crises, we realize the millions set aside to help the industry may never reach those facing eviction in time to help.
This year, with the financial crisis, economic instability, and political unrest of the past few months, Thanksgiving seems like an especially good time to get this old creed out, dust it off, and remind ourselves what it means to be an American and to be thankful for our country.
I encourage each of you to read the American’s Creed today. Read it aloud to yourself, your friends or your family. Take the time to be grateful you live in America and to realize that each of us has a duty to support our country, especially during difficult times such as these. Take the time to be grateful you live in America and to remember our greatest strength has always been our ability to join together during difficult times.
The American’s Creed
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.
Contact correspondent Mary Jane Honegger by e-mail at