I recently found a small book, The American Soldier’s Creed, in my grandfather’s papers. My grandfather, Elmer C. Vreeland, proudly served in WWI and the creed (reprinted below) depicts the ideals for which his generation was fighting. I feel a debt of gratitude to him and all of the men and women who have fought to protect the rights that I, and my children, enjoy.
The American Soldier’s Creed – 1917
I BELIEVE in my America as the land of individual liberty, of justice, and of common opportunity: the land that gave me home and friends and work.
I BELIEVE in Democracy that takes its authority from the people, a Democracy that grows with the growing years and the developing needs of a Nation.
I BELIEVE that the pledged word of a Nation is sacred, and the corner stone of Civilization; that every Government must hold its treaties sacred in order that the World be safe for Democracy.
I BELIEVE that national honor is as real as personal honor, and that neither can long exist without the other; that there cannot be neutrality between Right and Wrong; that America fights for her national honor, her national rights and her national existence as a free Democracy.
I BELIEVE in fighting for right and home and country, for wife and children and friends, not for Revenge or Conquest but for Justice and permanent Peace.
I BELIEVE in the Stars and Stripes as the Symbol of my hopes, that it is the Flag of Freedom, of Democracy and of Brotherhood.
TO SERVE and to save America…and those ideals for which it stands, and to keep the Stars and Stripes on high with honor; I pledge my hand, my heart and my life.
Copyright 1917, P.F. Volland Co., Chicago