The American's Creed
"I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the
people by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from
the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation
of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established
upon those principls of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which
American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore
believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution;
to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all
enemies."
The American's Creed was a result of a nationwide contest for writing
a National Creed, which would be a brief summary of the American political
faith founded upon things fundamental in American history & tradition.
The contest was the idea of Henry Sterling Chapin, Commissioner of Education
of New York State. Over three thousand entries were received, & William
Tyler Page was declared to be the winner. James H. Preston, the mayor of
Baltimore, presented an award to Page in the House of Representatives Office
Building on April 3, 1918. The Speaker of the House of Representatives
& the commissioner of education of the state of New York accepted the
Creed for the United States, & the proceedings relating to the award
were printed in the Congressional Record of April 13, 1918.
