The American Creed
What is The American’s Creed or The American Creed?
“I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers area 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 Story of The American Creed
In 1916, the world was embroiled in the Great War (WWI) and many Americans thought that we dwelled on our privileges and had forgotten to consider the duties and obligations of being citizens of the United States of America.
Henry Sterling Chapin, New York State Commisioner of Education conceived the idea to promote a county-wide contest for the writing of a National Creed. The goal was to achieve the briefest possible summary of American political faith, founded upon fundamentals most distinctive in American history and tradition. Something to reunite a troubled country.
The City of Baltimore joined in and offered $1,000 for the winning essay and three committees are formed: The Committee of Manuscripts reviewed all the entries and selected the top 50. The Committee on Award selected the winning Creed, and the Advisory Committee endorsed the result. Over 3000 entries were received nationwide.
Who Won
Entries were collected from all States and numbered in order of receipt, coupled with a sealed envelope containing the author and contact information. Entry #384 won.
It was penned by William Tyler Page, descendant of Carter Braxton, signer of The Declaration of Independence and of our 10th President, John Tyler. William Tyler Page was born in 1868. He became a page in the US House of Representatives at age 13. There he remained employed until his death. The last position he held was Clerk of the Minority.
Young William Tyler Page 
William Tyler Page
Creed Becomes National Knowledge
The public announcement of the winning Creed was on April 13, 1918. Less then two weeks later, DAR President Sarah E Guernsey asked William Tyler Page to lead the assembly at Continental Congress in reciting the creed. It became an annual tradition for 24 years until William Tyler Page passed away.
Mr Page’s last public appearance was October 18,1942 at Memorial Continental Hall, addressing the DAR on the 50th anniversary of the Pledge of Allegiance. The following day Mr. Page celebrated his 75th birthday with his family and quietly passed away in his sleep. As a tribute to his long service, the House of Representatives made him Clerk of the Minority for Life.
Patriotism not Politics
I have very vague memories of reciting the American’s Creed as a child in school. I am told just one generation ago it was common and expected to recite the creed in classrooms and at patriotic organizations and all kinds of get togethers. I’ve seen it on plaques but never understood what it was exactly or the significance. I certainly did not appreciate how it came to be or why people embraced it.
People like William Tyler Page inspire me for they find ways to love their country and share that love with others without delving into the viper pit that is the political arena. This Family is on a quest to find fun ways to explore and experience our country and share ways to fall in love with it. One way is through educational bits like this that turn into ‘Did you know…’ table conversations. (I’m famous for those) My grandmother taught me you will never go wrong with being kind, being polite, and saying thank you. It is my hope that you dear reader and friend, learn something from this post and choose to share it with others in a conversational way. No politics, just kindness and pride in what our families before us have done for us to have these lives we do.
The Meaning of each Line of The American Creed
…as explained by William Tyler Page… SUPER interesting!!!!
I believe in the United States of America: These are the closing words of the Premable of the Constitution.
As a Government of the People, by the People, for the People: Abraham Lincoln stated this in the Gettysburg Address
Whose Just Powers are derived from the Consent of the Governed: Dating back to Jamestown in 1607 and repeated by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence
A Sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States: The powers of the State Governments are held to be sacred wherever they do not conflict with the good of all as represented in the Federal Government, whose power is granted in the Constitution from the people themselves.
A Perfect Union: From the Preamble to the Constitution encompassing a stronger union resulting from its adoption by all the States
One and Inseparable: From Daniel Webster’s speech in the US Senate, the Union is ‘one and inseperable’ because the people have determined that it is best for all the States to remain united and ‘governed by their own consent’ through their duly-elected representatives. The Supreme Court agreed that ‘The Constitution, in all its provisions, looks to an indestructible Union, composed of indestructible States.’
Established upon whose principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes: From the Declaration of Independence. American Patriots, from the beginning until now, have offered their lives and fortunes on behalf of the principles to which this Nation has been dedicated.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it: Nathan Hale said “I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country.” John Hancock wrote “Patriotism is ever united with humanity and compassion. This noble affection which impels us to sacrifice everything dear, even life itself, to our country, involves in it a common sympathy and tenderness for every citizen, and must ever have a particular feeling for one who suffers in a public cause.”
To support its Constitution: From the Otha of Allegiance: ‘II do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion…”
To obey its laws: George Washington’s Farewell Address: ‘Respect for its authority, compliance with its Laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, ’til changed by an explicit and authentic actor of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the People to establish Government, presupposed the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.’
To respect its flag: The Army and Navy Regulations and Flag Etiquette published one year earlier, April 14, 1917.
and to defend it against all enemies: Emphasized in the Oath of Allegiance.
The American Creed or The American’s Creed
So what is the correct way to say it? The American Creed or The American’s Creed. I think it’s just semantics. The real importance lies in the words, not the title. And it’s something I personally would love to see brought back in style. Country, not politics.
Special Thanks
I attended a California Daughters of the American Revolution get together where Carole Curran presented this program on the story behind the American’s Creed. I found it fascinating and it with her permission these words and photos are shared.
Usually I have a lot of humor in my posts but today, I just feel happy and will hold my head a little higher as an American. Yup, we have a lot of ugly parts to our nation and our history. But we also have some shining moments, some of them, like this story, just need a little dusting off. I hope you enjoyed the story! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I am a Daughter, Spirit of ’76, Chapter in Louisiana. I don’t know why I Googled The American’s Creed, but probably because I’m called upon to recite it and sometimes I forget the placement of things. The story about Mr. Tyler and his recitation at Constutution Hall is poignant, reminding me of times I have served as a delegate to Continental Congress and marveled at the pagentry of patriotism. I hope to read this history at our next meeting. I’m glad I found it here. Thank you for sharing the story!
I learned the creed in the 5th grade brought in by our teacher, i fell in love with it. I have searched for it for many years so i could share it with everyone i know. I have finally found it & I’m sharing. So proud to be an American, i’m proud to have served my country & I’m still ready to defend her & our constitution. I’m a 69 year old Vietnam Veteran!! God bless America!
John, Thank you for taking the time to write this comment! I am so so happy you enjoyed this story on the American’s Creed. The American’s Creed itself is gorgeous and the story behind it is even more fascinating. In a time when we could all benefit from this knowledge and sometimes I wonder if people are reading, your comment has made me very happy. Thank you for your service sir. This Family is grateful for you and we will continue to bring stories like this one to the blog and to the people. I hope you might consider signing up for our email so you get stories sent right to you. 🙂 God bless!
I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never heard of this. What a great idea to post about it!
Don’t be embarrassed. I think there are more people who don’t know what it is then do.
That’s why I posted about it. 🙂 And lots of other great American things forgotten and lost to time.
Wow, super informative I honestly have never seen it broken down better and the photos are just amazing! A true slice of history, seeing the photo of a young William Tyler Page is a really cool detail. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge I always enjoy reading ?
I’m so glad you enjoy posts like this.
You broke that down beautifully. As much of a “student” as I was, I do not ever remember having to recite this. It’s beautifully written and should be heard more often. Thank you for sharing this piece of history.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This information is so interesting. I don’t think I realized it had such an interesting history, and truthfully, had never really thought about the meaning.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I think a few people really need to read this….very refreshing to leave.
I think EVERYONE need to reads this 🙂
I love learning the backstory behind historical events or documents. I don’t remember this creed. But I’m glad to learn about it and the author.
Me too!! Often the stories behind things are just as interesting as the end document itself.
I remember the American Creed. I think it is still important. I think we are doing our kids a disservice by not instilling the same patriotic values that were instilled in us at school. Thank you for sharing this!
I agree! Share with everyone you know 🙂
Wonderful history lesson, wish they taught more of this in school.
Not just in school… at home.
I had no idea about the backstory, but delving deeper into the history of American’s Creed was definitely worth knowing. Thanks for sharing this!
YES! Glad you enjoyed!!
Fascinating! I love learning about different moments in our country’s history.
me too! There are so very many of them!
So refreshing to read about true patriotism without political agenda. Thank for the reminder of why we are all blessed to live in this country.
Thank you! THAT is a heck of a compliment! And That’s the message of the blog. 🙂 YAY!
I sadly must confess I don’t ever remember learning about this in school. While we live in a flawed country, so many enjoy the freedoms it embodies without truly understanding the cost of those freedoms. It’s sad that we don’t still remind the generations of this creed!
It is true but we can work on it! This is a positive message and a uniting one. 🙂 Feel free to share!
I had never heard of this, but I feel like they need to have another contest these days. Maybe remind us all of what our duties as Americans are!
I thought about that too… but then I thought here’s a perfectly good one… maybe we just need to breathe some life into it again 🙂
I never learned this! Very interesting
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a beautiful tidbit of history. Patriotism not politics is just the best attitude too. America has such an inspiring story to how we got here, unlike any other place in the world, and while not perfect our ideals are truly something that makes me feel honored to support and be a part of. Thank you for highlighting the good stuff, from a place of education and emphasis on connectedness, because we are all so much more when we’re in it together.
EXACTLY!!!! 100% I think learning is always a method of connection and yes we are indeed flawed but that is because we are an ever evolving entity. I believe it’s time to start focusing on the good stuff… for we have a lot!
Thank you for sharing this! I don’t recall learning this in school either. I love your grandma’s advice in you can never go wrong in being kind, being polite and saying thank you.
She was a very wise woman. 🙂
This is excellent. I love history, especially American history. I wish they were taught more of it in school. I am going to print this off and have my kids read it. Thank you for sharing.
This was A LOT of new information to me. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this, it was so interesting. I don’t remember learning about it in school and don’t hear about it now.
I had to learn this in grade school. I don’t think this is taught anymore and it’s very sad. Things like this are what keeps our country together.
Wow! Lots of information I didn’t know. I love the idea of learning and sharing our patriotism without personal politics.
That’s really the goal of the blog. Fun ways to experience the country with travel, history, and patriotism. Not interested in politics… I like things that can bring us together and make us stronger. 🙂
I love history, this is such an amazing post. I’m from Costa Rica so I didn’t know the story behind the American Creed, thanks for sharing this. I will show it to my kids!
I am so glad you love it and will share with the kids! I think everyone should be exposed to not only the Creed itself but the stunning story behind it. It’s truly beautiful. 🙂
Great post! I remember a lecture I attended that I learned about the American Creed..I have always been amazed at countries history! Thank you for sharing this!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it Holly. 🙂 I’m also glad to know you knew of it!
This is really interesting, and I don’t remember learning about it before. Thank you for the educational and inspirational post. Nicely done!
Glad you enjoyed it Ramae. 🙂 It’s a need story and we could all use a little inspiration 🙂
That’s cool that you got to attend that event!
What an awesome post and so relevant for today’s time to remember where we came from.
Thanks for sharing!
I think so too. 🙂
It seems really unfortunate that I’ve never heard of the American Creed. I guess it isn’t something being widely shared anymore, but it certainly should be! It was created at a time when we needed renewed hope during the dawn of our entry into World War I, and it seems we are at a place in our country once again where we could use something like this to again unify us in our patriotism. Thank you for sharing!
That is exactly how I felt…. and why I felt compelled to share the story. I struggled for a while on the focus of this blog itself. I wanted to focus on American travel at first but I think the message of community and patriotism and fun ways to experience our great nation (as individuals and as families) is what it wants to be. I’m very glad you enjoyed the article and learned a little something. I hope you share it with others too. We all win 🙂
I came from Belarus. And could not be more thankful to this country. And by the way this information is required to be known when one becomes citizen. God Bless America ❤️ ??
I’m so glad to know this is required knowledge. I wish it was for natural born citizens as well. I have not heard of Belarus. I’m going to look that up tonight! You taught me something too 🙂
Yes, Carole so glad you shared this delightful morsel of America’s history.
Thank you so much for spreading the word about the American’s Creed which summarizes documents that created the very fabric that this nation was built on. It is heartwarming to hear and I hope that your readers will take a moment to ponder the words of this great American, William Tyler Page. It was a pleasure to share it’s history and meaning with you!
My pleasure Carole! I hope it inspires others as it has me 🙂