Dream or Reality?

The Ideals of Patriotism

by William Backus Guitteau, Toledo, OH Native, Historian, & Author.
(1917)
Patriotism, the greatest of our national ideals, comprehends all the rest. Love of country is a sentiment common to all people and ages; but no land has ever been dearer to its people than our own America. No nation has a history more inspiring, no country has institutions more deserving of patriots love. Turning the pages of our nation's history, the young citizen sees Columbus, serene in the faith of his dream; the Mayflower, bearing the lofty soul of the Puritan; Washington girding on his holy sword; Lincoln, striking the shackles from the helpless slave; the Constitution, organizing the farthest west with north and south and east into one great Republic; the tremendous energy of free life trained in free schools; utilizing our immense natural resources, increasing the nation's wealth with the aid of advancing science, multiplying fertile fields and noble workshops, and busy schools and happy homes.

This is the history for which our flag stands; and when the young citizen salutes the flag, he should think of the great ideals which it represents. The flag stands for democracy, for liberty under the law; it stands for heroic courage and self-reliance, and the cause of humanity; it stands for free public education, and for peace among all nations. When you salute the flag, you should resolve that your own life will be dedicated to these ideals. You should remember that the truest American patriot understands the meaning of our nation's ideals, and pledges his/her own life to their realization.
From the Patriotic Reader, Houghton Mifflin Company (1917)​

Note: As a schoolmarm in a country school museum for the past 18 years I am thrilled when students demonstrate great enthusiasm for patriotism and love of country. It reminds me of my public school teaching days when enjoying patriotic songs and stories was a regular exercise.

​Here I pay tribute to visitors to our schoolhouse from the Trinity Christian School in Concord, New Hampshire who sang proudly of our great flag and country. Enjoy their rendition of "America." I appreciate their enthusiasm even more as I find my own city's 4th grade visitors are unfamiliar with this classic..I see it. I feel it. Eighteen years ago they all knew it. Tell me about your current experience...comment below.