Patriotism which does not
begin in early years may, though it does not always, fail under the
severest trials. I say "not always," for many men and women have proved
their patriotic devotion to this country although they were born
elsewhere. Yet, as a rule, it must begin with the children. And almost
without exception it is the mother who plants patriotism in the mind of
the child. It is her duty. The growth of patriotism is first of all in
the hands of the women of any nation. In the last analysis it is the
mothers of a nation who direct that nation's destiny.
The fundamental task of patriotism is to see to it that the Nation
exists and endures in honor, security, and well-being. Fortunately there
is no question as to our existing in honor, and little if any as to our
continuing to exist in security.
The great fundamental problem which confronts us all now is this: Shall
we continue, as a Nation, to exist in well-being? That is the
conservation problem.
If we are to have prosperity in this country, it will be because we have
an abundance of natural resources available for the citizen. In other
words, as the minds of the children are guided toward the idea of
foresight, just to that extent, and probably but little more, will the
generations that are coming hereafter be able to carry through the great
task of making this Nation what its manifest destiny demands that it
shall be.
Pages:
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83