THE ACTS OF PATRIOTISM
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brethren, Ladies and Guests, good evening.
When Japanese Prime Minister Nakasone visited President Reagan during his administration, he asked for the auto import restriction to be rescinded, saying “We’ve had a rougher time of it: consider Hiroshima.”
The Gipper asked, “What has that got to do with it?”
“Well, we’ve never destroyed one of your cities,” replied Nakasone.
Quickly Reagan cut in: “What about Detroit?”
Well, I hope I don’t destroy your attention when I talk about…
THE ACTS OF PATRIOTISM
After the brutal, evil and senseless acts that were perpetrated against humanity on September 11th 2001 we have observed an upsurge of patriotism in this country, a closeness of purpose, a bond of togetherness that we haven’t felt for quite sometime. Almost five years later we are continuing to fight terrorism on its door step in Afghanistan and Iraq; this upsurge of patriotism seems to be waning. Not from the devoted members of our Armed Forces who know the true meaning of patriotism but from citizens of this country who don’t understand the importance of defending the acts of patriotism.
These acts of patriotism are defined as love of ones country, support of one’s country and defense of one’s country just three simple words; love, support and defend. By committing these acts we signify our desire to be free. Free from tyranny – free from bondage – free from despotism.
It seems like many citizens have forgotten what personal sacrifices are required in order to be free and in order to stay free. They have forgotten what kind of sacrifices it takes – to allow them their freedom of speech – to allow them their freedom of assembly – to allow them their freedom of the press.
We as Masons – as a Fraternity – as a Masonic Family know the importance of patriotism. We are one of the most patriotic groups in the country, our ritual implies it, our actions display it and our members demonstrate it. Past history reveals it; present actions prove it and the future will portray it.
The love of ones country is more than giving thanks to our forefathers who sacrificed during the infancy of our Nation. It requires more than thanking those who have continued the sacrifices for freedom today. It demands more than waving the flag on the forth of July. It involves the constant obligation of all citizens to love one another and this country unconditionally with all of its imperfections – with all of its challenges – with all of its burdens.
The American Revolution martyr, Captain Nathan Hale describes the essence of true patriotism when he faced death with the famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Then Representative, President Gerald R. Ford, in his address to the state conference of the Order of DeMolay, in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 7th 1968 said, “America now is stumbling through darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Our values, our principles, and our determination to succeed as a free and democratic people will give us a torch to light the way. And we will survive and become the stronger – not only because of patriotism that stands for love of country, but a patriotism that stands for love of people.”
Theodore Roosevelt in his letter to S. Stanwood Menken, chairman, of the committee on Congress of Constructive Patriotism on January 26, 1917 wrote, “Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and hardihood—the virtues that made America. The things that will destroy America are prosperity–at–any–price, peace–at–any–price, safety–first instead of duty– first, the love of soft living and the get–rich-quick theory of life.”
The support of ones country is more than agreeing with the political norm or following the current trends or jumping on the band wagon of popular opinion. It requires speaking out against injustice, immorality and inequality. It demands the participation in the policies and laws of government through a thorough knowledge of issues, agendas and candidates in the exercise of our vote. It involves action at all levels in our communities – in our faith – in our schools – in our homes. It is the true understanding of from whence we came.
Brother and General Omar N. Bradley defined patriotism this way, “A nation’s strength is not found in its treasury statements. It lies instead in the national character of its people in their willingness to sacrifice leisure, comfort and share of their talents for the welfare of the nation of which they are apart. Patriotism is putting not less, but more personal responsibility into the affairs of your community and your nation.”
The defense of ones country is more than supporting those who defend our freedom. It requires personal sacrifices by all of its citizens for the common good. It involves a thorough understanding of that delicate equilibrium of security and freedom. It demands the ultimate commitment that one can give. I reference Todd Beamer accompanied by Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett Jr. and Jeremy Glick, all true American heroes; when on United Airlines flight 93 out of Newark, New Jersey that fateful day of September 11th made the decision to charge the hijackers and prevent more loss of life from the hands of evil. The GTE operator heard Mark ask someone, “Are you ready?” then she heard him say, “Okay, Let’s roll.”
Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “For the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” This illustrates true patriotism and a willingness to sacrifice for the common good.
I recall at one of Twin Peaks Lodge # 32’s business meeting, I had a discussion with Brother and Major David P. Bradney, United States Marine Corps, Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station Salt Lake City regarding recruiting in today’s climate with today’s culture. Major Bradney expressed the need to educate the public on the fact that a career in the Armed Forces is not only an honorable and noble profession but is instrumental to the very survival of our country.
I would like to quote Major Bradney from a speech he made to an audience of parents of future Marines, kids about to ship to recruit training, and some educators. He wrote, “This is a pivotal time in our nation’s history. We are fighting a war against radical Islamic fanaticism. A fanaticism that is determined to eliminate or conquer our freedoms and way of life.” “This war is unlike any war fought in our nation’s history. Our enemy is using the strategy of terror never before seen to force governments and societies to capitulate to their demands and they are unrelenting. There is no amount of diplomacy, negotiation, or acquiescing that will stop this enemy from continuing to terrorize our nation. Only through our demise or theirs will this terror stop.”
Major Bradney went on to say, “Unlike at anytime in the past 30 years, service today in the defense of this nation is more demanding and the probability of entering into conflict has greatly increased. We are after all at war. And, though it is understandable that there is a larger percentage of our nation’s populace that remains reluctant to take up arms, this nation will be defended. Those that think otherwise are foolhardy and are ignorant of the zeal and determination in which our enemy carries out their mission of our demise.”
David continued: “That commitment to our nation’s defense is indeed noble and selfless and is to be respected and honored. Because our military is comprised only of volunteers, your defenders are highly motivated, extremely dedicated to the mission at hand, more physically fit, better educated, and better trained. They take up the cause of freedom understanding the possible consequences good and bad.”
Major Bradney stressed the importance of our history. He said, “It is important to recall that 229 years ago a radical experiment in human freedom eventually manifested itself in the creation of the United States of America. These unprecedented freedoms and form of government created a society that spawned the most giving and powerful nation this planet has ever seen. If you are a student of American history you know that these freedoms were not easily obtained. Many great patriots risked much and lost much to include their lives for this nation’s birth. If we value these freedoms and our way of life, which I think we do, then we must at times be willing to defend them as they have been in the past with more zeal and determination than any enemy that is attempting to orchestrate our fall. If we do less, we risk unfathomable loss.”
Major Bradney, I thank you for your service to our Country!
Through heroism, gallantry and courage, “Our Military is the sword that is wielded by the hand of freedom. It is the instrument that defends all of our rights as a free people. And from time to time upon the face of the earth this sword must be drawn from its sheath, it must be executed with precision; it must be defaced by the blood of enemies who wish to defeat freedom, equality and justice.”
Adlai Stevenson in his speech to the American Legion Convention in New York City on August 27th 1952 said, “We talk a great deal about patriotism. What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility which will enable America to remain master of her power — to walk with it in serenity and wisdom, with self-respect and the respect of all mankind; a patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. The dedication of a lifetime — these are words that are easy to utter, but this is a mighty assignment. For it is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.”
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 fortune.” “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 Congress of the United States on April 6, 1918, officially adopted “The American’s Creed” by William Tyler Page, as a definition to express the beliefs of our nation and the statement can be construed as an official definition of patriotism. From April 6th 1918 to March 31st 2006 the American’s Creed has remained true and I have no doubt it will in the future as well.
“The destruction of a country comes not from the outside by attacks of terrorism, or from bombs, nor from blood. The destruction comes from within by its citizens– from indifference – from ignorance – from the lack of patriotism.”
I simply ask you to remember those three words; love, support and defend; and of course – let’s Roll!
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Frank C. Baker, Worshipful Grand Orator – © 31 March 2006