Perth Amboy evening news., 1917-03-31
WHAT Is MEANT
BY PATRIOTISM


questions growing out of the strained
relations between the United States
and another nation, and the word
patriotism" was used. Said one: "A
man who devotes his life to work
which damages manhood can get out
and wave a fiag-and that is called
patriotism. / call him a traitor to his
country, as I would call any man
traitor who robbed men of their best,
and made them incompetent as cid-
zens"
But isn't the superficial the kind
of patriotism that our boys are learn
ing? Are they getting deep-rooted
ideas of genuine patriotism, or are
they getting tawdry brand? ?" That
was the question which started the
conversation in new lines. And 1t is
a question worth discussing.
Even while these lines are being
written this country may awake to
new and vital responsibilities and re-
lationships. There are those who
freely predict that war must ensue
Others see the possibility of a peace
full solution. In either situation, what
is patriotism? How shall 1t be in
terpreted to boy? Is there one kind
OF patriotism for times of war and
one kind for an era of peace? Or, are
there two or more manifestations of
the same thing?
One hundred and sixty thousand
boys hold membership In the Young
Mems Christian Associations of North
America. Probably an equal number
m
lated through the medium of High
School clubs, Employed Boy Brother
hoods, or other groups What part
shall the boys work secretary and his
lay associates have in teaching genu-
Inc patriotism to these boys?
True patriotism certainly calls for
physical, mental and moral fitness to
serve ones country in peace or war.
Is that young man genuine patriot
who shoulders rife and takes UP
his duties as a soldier and then saps
his life by harmful living? Can he
present a self-inficted diseased body
to his country as true Offering in
her time of need? Is not genuine
patriotism. then, spelled by another
'fitness?" To be fit, to be at
true to principle, to be fearing
rs this not true patriotism? ao~-e
Certainly there will be emotional
manifestations. When the flag is un-
furled there will be moisture in the
eyes, and queer throb in ones
throat, especially If back of it all
there is the responsive nerve. the
toned muscle, the clear eye, tho quick
brain, the warm heart, and the agile
step. These make for pure patriotism
Let there be no cheap substitute
offered to the boys who come under
our care. Honor In every way the
man who offers his life in the service
Iof his country. but keep ever fresh
the thought that such a life needs to
be whole one. at its best. But
honor. too, the boy who, too young
perhaps to enlist under the coiors,
does day by day a manly part at
home. at school, at work, and main
tains standards of Christian character
In all these avenues of action and in
his recreational life as well.
Teach the glory of good citizenship,
lof neighborliness, of sacrifice instead
of self-seeking, of right relations to
God; these may the better fit the boy
for the full privileges of the citizen
In times of peace; If his duty calls
Ialong the path of soldier service, his
will be true patriotism if he pre-
|sents himself at his maximum of
efficiency.
What vital part is the Young Mems
Christian Association having in thus
fitting boys for patriotic service,
whether in time of peace or war? How
far is unselfish service in matters Of
daily routine laying foundation for
Ia life of sacrifice? To what extent
are older boys being made ready for
the privilege of citizenship?