Smyrna times., 1962-07-05
Test
of
Grea tness

For our Nation, the test began 1876 years
ago in Philadelphia when 56 American pa
triots signed the Declaration of Independ-
ence. From that historic moment on, the
bel of freedom in our land have rung loud
and clear--a triumphant message to
troubled world that America is indeed
beacon of hope for oppressed, freedom
loving people.
On the anniversary of that auspicious oc-
casion we should give humble thanks to God
for the spiritual heritage won by these men
of destiny. Our freedom, prosperity, and
stature as world power are attestations
to their far-reaching efforts. We should
rededicate ourselves to the constant sup
port and eternal preservation of the self
evident truths which were SO dear to them.
Unfortunately, in some circles today the
apologetic approach to patriotism is be-
coming fashionable. The faith and princi-
pies which withstood the ravages of wars,
subversion and crime over the years are
almost passe. Any exhibitions of national
pride and reverence for the American flag
are merely by rote. The burning zeal of
patriotism which was in the hearts of the
Men of '76 in many instances has turned to
SelfiShneSS, apathy, and indulgence.
To my mind, this is dangerous trend.
1t is departure from the ideals which
typify the American way fife, and it is
grievous example for our impressionable
youth The seeds of doubt germinate quick
ly in their fertile minds. Recently, one pre-
cocious high school editor is said to have
proclaimed that "patriotism has outlived
it's usefulness" and that to be patriotic in
our time "is to be blindly stupid human
being" God forbid that such misguided OBJ
servations should reflect the reasoning of
any sizeable segment Of our youth.
There was no diluted patriotism at In
dependence Hall; nor we're there any COM
bat "turncoats" at Valley Forge. These
are latter-day by-products of decadent
thinking. They represent compromise of
the moral and spiritual issues SO vital to
our survival. There can be no compromise
where the cause of freedom is concerned.
Our history is replete with the names of
patriots who paid the supreme sacrifice in
winning and protecting our priceless heri-
tage. These were men Of action men
whose extraordinary deeds bespoke their
belief in Nation conceived in liberty and
dedicated to the equality Of all men. Today,
perhaps as never before, America has need
for doers of extraordinary deeds, men and
women with the moral strength and courage
of our forefathers. The smoldering embers
ofpatriotism should be famed into flam-
ing spirit ofloyalty SO that the whole world
will know Americans will stand, fight, and
die for the dignity Of man.
We of law enforcement share in this no
BILE cause. We must not only help preserve
the high ideals of our great Republic but
we must also be certain that there is no in
vasion of the rights and liberties of the in
dividual from any source.
AS patriotic americans, let us not fail
the test of greatness. On the contrary, let
us assure that this Nation, under God, shall
remain free, and that our Government Of
the people, by the people, and for the peo-
pie will endure"
John Edgar Hoover
Director
FEDEP PAL BUREAU
OF INVESTIGATION