Patriotism and Our American Spirit

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 principles 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.

- William Tyler Page

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands; one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

- Francis M. Bellamy

The DAR Pledge to the Flag
We, the Daughters of the American Revolution, who find rest under thy folds, do pledge our lives, our hearts, and our sacred honor, to love and protect thee, our country and the liberty of the American people forever.

The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just
And this be our motto: "In God is our Trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

- Francis Scott Key

Maryland, My Maryland
The despot's heel is on thy shore,
Maryland, my Maryland!
His torch is at thy temple door,
Maryland, my Maryland!
Avenge the patriotic gore
That flecked the streets of Baltimore,
And be the battle queen of yore.
Maryland, my Maryland!

Hark to a wand'ring sons appeal!
Maryland, my Maryland!
My Mother State, to thee I kneel.
Maryland, my Maryland!
For life and death, for woe and weal,
Thy peerless chivalry reveal.
And gird thy beauteous limbs with steel.
Maryland, my Maryland!

Thou wilt not cower in the dust,
Maryland, my Maryland!
Thy gleaming sword shall never rust.
Maryland, my Maryland!
Remember Carroll's Sacred trust,
Remember Howard's war-like thrust,
And all thy slumb'rers with the just,
Maryland, my Maryland!

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Last modified 22 March 2005