THE AMERICAN'S CREED BY: WILLIAM TYLER PAGE 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.

      As the 20th century began political action was focused on fundamental rights and freedoms in America. We soon broadened our scope to include other nations so their citizen's voices could be heard. Today we work together with many nations in important areas such as medicine, industry, transportation, science, space travel and agriculture. Our belief in the basic concepts of the American's Creed has made us a more compassionate and humane people willing to work toward a better world.

      When William Tyler Page originally wrote the American's Creed he wrote it with the United States'citizens in mind, perhaps with some hope of the impact it might have on today's modern world. In the 1940s a major step in that direction occurred with the creation of the United Nations to help enforce international laws, keep peace and conduct diplomatic meetings and international politics. Within this organization democratic nations work to establish Page's ideals throughout the world.

      In the 1918 nation-wide Sojourners Essay Contest designed to promote a national creed, William Tyler Page did a beautiful job of summarizing our political faith, fundamental ideas and tradition. My favorite phase "...established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes" represented to Page all of the American lives lost for freedom in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, the Great War (WWI). For me this includes World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the War on Iraq, and further exemplifies how America continues today to fight for our principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for all.

      As a citizen of the United States, an Eagle Scout, Sea Cadet and hopeful candidate for Naval Officer Training School, the honorable ideals summarized in Page's creed still apply today and are a major part of many American loyalty oaths, several of which I have been privileged to recite. With my actions and words I will continue to uphold the duties to my country outlined so eloquently by Page "...to love it; support its constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies."