Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 April 1917 — WHAT THE STARS AND STRIPES MEAN TO US. [ARTICLE]

WHAT THE STARS AND STRIPES MEAN TO US.

We are indebted to the Dayton (Ohio) Journal for this statement of the meaning of the flag to those who live on American soil. It should sink deep into the hearts of all of us: What does the American flag means? The imminence of ominous days compels this Question. What does the flag mean to you, boy—you who are just entering the gates of manhood? What does It mean to you, citizen —you—who are in the full flush of manly vigor? What does it mean to you, father —you who have passed the meridian of life? What does It mean to you, mother —you who are the bearer of children, who must live In this land, a free and enlightened woman, or subject to conditions ‘which we do not yet care to consider? What does it mean to you, foreign born citizen—you who have left some home land across the sea to find here liberty and the opportunity to labor for a worth while wage and educate your children to be the peers or equals of their fellows, enjoying the same liberties,> the same blessings of peace and prosperity, with all others who acknowledge it as the symbol of progress and freedom?

What .does the flag mean in this day and hour to each of you? You have been sheltered under its folds, protected by its sovereignity—what does it mean to you ? Let us tell you what It means. It means the federation of noble states, the differences of 'which are settled through the (deliberations of one sovereign tribunal—the supreme court of the United States, the wonder of political students throughout the woild, and the best gift of the constitution. It means protection to all who have the right to be considered citizens. it means that the gray haired grandsire and the bright haired little child may sit in security under the vines of a cottage porch. It means that lover and ’ maid may Walk through shady lanes dreaming their dreams and whispering their loves, assured that the future will be gladsome for them, It means that the glory which w&s von at Yorktown, at Buena Vista, at New Orleans, at Shiloh, at San Juaii hill, is .a national heritage which shall never be dimmed. It means that the hopes and inspirations and ambitions of 100,000,000 of people are united in patriotic solidarity.

It means, that inconceivable resources ‘are ready to be used in its defense. It means national sovereignty, and power, and glory, and promise. It means welcome and comfort to the down-trodden and oppressed of all other lands. ! It means 'all that we know of majesty and international honoi and''national self respect. It means the beauty of living free from aggression and unsoiled by the spirit of conquest. It means .the apoetheosis of industry in all its' multitudinous ; ways. • ' • , . It means religious liberty and guarantees to every man. the light to worship as he pleases. It means that education and art may here go hand in hand and be developed without restriction. It means separation of church and state. . And so for'its preservation, and all that it stands for and means, millions of American citizens are ready and willing to suffer, to die, if need be. Fair and bright it flies, unsullied, glorious, singing its epic song of national integrity of purpose. Under its stars besprent folds from sea to sea, await the youth and strength of th£ nation to honor .and defend It. Now that we have taken the plunge, there is but one thing for a loyal citizen of this country to do—Stand firmly by his country, ■whether it he native or adopted.

The man who does otherwise is not true either to himself or to the land that shelters, feeds and clothes him. There were maßr who honestly thought we. should not go to war with Germany. But the great majority of American people thought otherwise. So did the President, and the congress. Each was clearly entitled to his individual opinion until such time as the matter was definitely settled one way or the other. But with war actually in existence, with our armies hurrying into the field, with our navy making preparations to sweep the seas, with our young men rushing to the colors, there can be but one path for us to tread—absolute loyalty to our country. Whatever our beliefs may have been in the past, our country now is at war, and we must support it with our every drop of blood and our every dollar of wealth. Those who think that it will be simply a bluff at war—merely the assembling of an army that will drill for a few months and then go home —will be woe--fully mistaken. The United States has been both loath and slow to draw the sword, but once- drawn it will never be sheathed until victory is complete and our enemy is no longer able to do us harm. Government officials have voiced a strong plea to the farmers of the country to cultivate to the limit, to the end that we not' be hampered by a shortage in food supplies. The manufacturing interests of the country will ‘supply the vast quantities of arms, ammunition and equipment needed. These are all in the making even now. But food does not grow .whirs' no seed has been planted, and without food no army can fight and no people can exist. Therefore we ask the people of our own community to arise to the occasion and produce every ounce of foodstuffs that is within our power._ We may not all serve in the ranks, but we can demonstrate our loyalty and our devotion to our country by heeding the plea of the President in a greatly increased production of our food supplies.. Let us not have an acre that is not under- cultivation or in pastureage. Let us not have even a back yard or vacant lot that U not producing something. Patriotism lies here just as strongly as it dries on the battle line.