The Redwood gazette., 1936-06-11
AMERICANISM
Mary Harris

ne name America HUSt al
ways exalt the pride of patriotism
the distinguishing mark of which
is freedom. The spirit of Ameri.
canism and American institutions
is that of a true democracy, which
shall seek to cultivate the best anG
eliminate the vicious, and to stand
for the cause of liberty, freedom
and truth at whatever cost OF
property, or even human life. II
We love our country, then, with
the best form of love, we will set
for her standard of all that is
highest and purest and noblest
and then use all powers and direct
all our efforts to help her to make
real the ideal that we hold for her
The torch of Americanism has
been passed on from father to son
for many generations. The wars
our country has participated in
have been most horrible, but new
ersheless they have increased ou1
spirit of loyalty. By the effort OF
all the Americans in those wars
our county has climbed to the lof-
ty place which it is now her honor
to hold. From the earliest days OF
American independence, men and
women have been willing to serve
sacrifice, and if need be, to lay
down their lives, that the princi-
plies of freedom for which our ma
ton has stood might be maintain
ed; and that our independence
might be perpetuated and passed
on unsullied to their children. Men
who have been fighting for ou1
country have always kept the
ideals of America before them
During peace time this indomitab-
lie spirit is almost more important
than in time of conflict. In fact
it some times requires deeper love
of country to serve in the quiet
walks of everyday life, than when
drum and trumpet are stirring ou1
emotions.
We must strive to retain the
standards of quality given us il
1776. For nearly a century ano
a half, America has stood for lib
erty before all the world and as
refuge for the oppressed of every
land. Our actions must always
prove, excellent models for the
people continually coming to oul
shores.
During the present day, We have
to face many people who are trying
to break down our union. Ou1
country is constantly being invad
ed by socialists, communists, ant
others who speak against the Am
erican principles.
AS the youth of today, we hav'
the supreme chance to continue
and improve those precedents Sc
up by our forefathers. The spiri
of Americanism must be in th'
: very heart of each individual be
fore we can hope to bring abou
national betterment. 1t is in tn
character of the individual citizel
that we find the real measure Of ;
country's worth. If we could onl.
extend our enthusiasm to all tn
world, l think world peace woul'
be a very likely result.
Our country is ever looking u
to the best Americans. Certainl,,
a good American is one VIII
abides by the definite ideals of ou
land. These standards are per
haps most exactly set down in tn
rules to be followed by the Bo,
Scouts. Some Of the most i'm
portant principles of American
ism are the following: loyalty, re
verence, respect for law and duty
honesty, and the sacredness
truth. May we always strive t
keep the pride of our country ur
permost so that we will not drif
into the maelstrom of disorder
lawlessness, jealousy, and hatre
which we see in our nelghbo
countries today.
We are the sons and daughter
of America, her citizens, and int
our hands have fallen the dutie
and responsibilities of citizenshiI
Are we going to prove ourselve
worthy of SO great trust? Tn
future of America lies with III
How we profit by our opportunit
les, and develop our characte
through loyal service and cooper
alton with our fellows, will large
ly determine the America OF tt
morrow.