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.

      The American's Creed represents a utopian ideal - freedom for all of its people. The Creed defines what it means to be American, both the need for faith in who and what we are as a nation and the responsibility we all have to love and respect our nation and its flag. Its message is appropriate for each generation of Americans, but becomes even more meaningful when we understand the historical context of its origin... written during the time of conflict and turmoil at home and abroad. The American's Creed sums up, in the words of great Americans, the things for which America stands. It points out our rights and privileges and duties as American citizens.

      The second paragraph should be as true today as it was in 1918. America is your country - its laws protect you and give you "the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Constitution defines your rights as an American citizen - the rights to religious liberty, to freedom of speech and of the press, to assemble peaceably, to be secure in your person and property, to justice under the law. By supporting the Constitution you keep all of these rights. The laws of our country, the laws of your state, are written by the representative of the American people for the good of all Americans. By obeying them you strengthen the protection that they deserve. When we show the flag respect we show our respect and love for all that America is - our land, our people, our way of life.

      The American's Creed written by William Tyler Page is an example of American political faith founded upon American history and tradition. In these days when the shadow of ruin falls on us, it is good to remember that ours is not the first generation to face economic strife and potential war or the constant testing of the strengths that were designed to make ours the first nation in history to be truly "of the people." In that history there is hope and in that hope there is a shield against fate and its consequences that can serve us now just as faithfully as it has in the past.