Did you know the American's Creed once challenged the Pledge of Allegiance as the preeminent statement of American values?

"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."

– William Tyler Page, 1917.

The author is a descendant of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the entry was picked from a government contest launched during the First World War.  This entry came 1st out of over 3000 submissions!

What I love most about it is that it feels familiar even if you’ve never read it.  That’s because this text includes contributions of so many of the greats of American society including Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, George Washington, and more; and calls directly upon the words of The Constitution, The Gettysburg Address, The Declaration of Independence, and the Oath of Allegiance.  That’s some mighty content distilled into a single clear and concise statement.

If you’re impressed, you’re not alone.  After the contest, the American’s Creed took off like wildfire.  It was adopted by the House of Representatives and for decades would be used to open the Continental Congress.  Some sources I read suggest that there were schools in the 1920s that had kids recite this every single day!

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it should replace the Pledge of Allegiance – which is simpler and easier to understand for youngsters – I would say that we would do well to be more familiar with this fantastic piece of prose.  It builds upon the notions of loyalty found in the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing proactive and civic minded ideals.  In today’s environment where “rights” overshadow duties, it feels particularly timely to talk about civic duty, pride, sacrifice, and the essential components of the nation of America.

So, please take a moment to reflect on these profound words and their essence and reflect on how you might take action from it, and how we can honor the vision of our country by reminding ourselves we are one nation after all.