Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1941-04-14
I Am an American Day

Viii Oil NuISIbSoti o
president ROOSEVELT has asked the American
/ people to observe Sunday. May is, as Il Am an
American" Day for the following purpose:
ITO impress upon all citizens those native born
and naturaized, the special significance of citizenship in
this nation"
The President may be sure his urging will not be
in vain.
His suggestion fits snuarelY with the new national
practice of designating special day and in many cases
an entire week for emphasizing the duties and privileges
of American citizenship-and Of course it was meant
to do So
American Citizenship Week. in fact, will be so
widely observed throughout United States this
during the week of May i is that it hardly seems
possible the could have attained its present
Importance and scope in just two years.
But that is exactly what has happened
TWO wears ago. the observance of Citizenship Day
l was purely local event in the town of Wauwatosa
and the County of Manitowoc the state of Wisconsin.
The object of the observance assemble all of the
young people of the community who had attained the
age of q during the year at public ceremony well
coming them the status of American citizenship.
On that particular occasion two years ago. the Hearst
newspapers noted that $50 young and of the
Wisconsin community had been honored. The scene
inspiring and the idea mertorious that these
newspapers prompted to suggest nationwide emua-
ton.
The response. was amazing In matter of weeks,
cities far away from Wisconsin San Francisco and
Los Angeles had likewise honored their newest citizens
And year later, with the support of the American
Legion and the National Education Association there
were citizenship day observances in majority of the
states.
While the original purpose of honoring citizens
is more than characteristic of the special day
week devoted to emphasis American citizenship 1t
inevitable that infinitely broader purposes would be
served
THE special significance of citizenship. of is not
i matter that relates to special groups
As the President matter of significance
to "al citizens both native born and naturaized
Thus the privilege of saying Il American"
extends to all who worthy of it, and accept its obga
tons and conduct themselves in accordance with the
fundamental principles of this nation.
The manner of observance of Il Am an American
Day and of American Citizenship Week will vary in the
several states.
In many communities such in San Francisco where
Mayor Angelo Rossi has appointed special committee of
citizens for the purpose separate days of the entire week
will be designated for specific purposes.
The functions and duties of government viii be dts
cussed for the information and enlightenment OF the
people day.
Other days will be devoted to greater appreciation of
basic American liberties, the freedom of speech and
assembly. the freedom of the press and of religion.
Still other days will stress the historic background
and tremendous merit of free education.
And of those who attained citizenship during
the past year. either by naturalization attainment OF
maturity will be recognized and honored on their special
day.
THIS is one of the most constructive and nvgorang
i of all our public enterprises
II attests the alert and earnest Americansm of the
President that he lends the weight of his high office and
the inspiration of his exceptional personality and popu-
larity to such enterprise.
Never at any time in national history has there
been greater need for appreciation of the significance OF
American citizenship
1t is the target of alien radical and skeptcal and
disloya attack But it is also the HOPE of the civilized
world and the richest possession of every and woman
who say IN all pride and humbleness IN all gratitude
AM AN AMERICAN"