The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-04-13

National AmericanizatIo day 10 be observed throughout the na- lion on April s7th, was fst con- coiyed by the Veterans of Foreign Wafs of the United States at a meeting of it's national council of administration held in Chicago January 1921. This date was se- 1ected with two primary motives in mind: first, the fact that it imme- diateIy precedes May 1. a. day se- lected by agitators for the public mirfng of controversies and un- American principles; and secondly. because April 27th is also the birth nnniversary of General Q. $. Grant, one of the greatest soldiers Of all time and an able leader of the forces that made preservation of the Union possible.
 The desire of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Of the United States 10 promulgate and promote the spirit of Americanian is reflected iIs q practical program that has the coordinated support of the or gnnization as q whole.
 We believe that all the blessings of democratic government flow from sound citizenship; VIC feel that the sane and just administra : tion of democratic government is guaranteed only by sound citizen ship: we are convinced that the or dcrly correction and adjustment of the faults and errors which creep into the administration of democra- lie government are truly accom- plisIlcd through sound American Citizenship.
 One Language. One Flag
 Tn the promotion of these prin- eipIes we submit for your consider nfion our definition Of American ism which We believe is properly interpreted by the slogan which calls for "One country, one lan- Guagc and one flag, In that in- terpretatoin is found the full mean ing of our basic purpose to build souad American citizenship. It must be the watchword of citizens everywhere for 1t means the de- veinpmcnt of q greater love for onr couitry in tho hearts and minds oG every man. woman and child who lives under the American flag.
 We believe that the building of citizenship is dependent upon the fulfillmcnt of four major objectives in our program of Americanism. These four objcctives embrace q high standard Of education in our schools and colleges: n junior pro- gram that will direct the leisure activities of the youth of the na- ton: tho sponsorship of civic ac- tivities that will contribute to com nunity welfare: and the American ization of all aliens who come to these shores to establish their horncs and the support of an ade- nuate national defense.
 While our system of public edu- cataon is generally conceded to be the most efficient in the world. it is continually under fire from sub yersive clements and other forces opposed to our principle of free education. In times of economic stress, our public school system suffers. Thousands of public schools are closed despite the con- stantiy growing need of such in- stitutions. The result is that thou sands of teachers are thrown out of employment, salaries are re- duced in many sections below a living wage, and the number of children deprived of educational advantages runs into the millions. A situation Is thus developed which menaces the entire school system and 1t is our desire and purpose to cooperate at all times with school authorities in any movement that will help keep our schools open and secure appropriations for ad- ditional schools where they are needed.
 We believe that wider &C., quaintance with the Constitution of the United States will help incul- Icate the principles of sound citi- zenship in the minds of both young and old. It is our desire to &C., complish this purpose thruogh the proper instruction of both adult citizens and children. and aliens as well, through community classes on the subject of the Constitutoin.
 As an organization of citizen veterans whose influence is nation wide, we feel 1t is our duty to take a keen interest in the public af- fairs of our respective states and localities. The ideal citizen Is he who takes an active interest in the activities of local civic organiza- tions. better government groups.