Modeling Good Citizenship

Our National Society’s very first (albeit short-lived!) motto was Amor Patriae, which is a Latin expression meaning “Love of Country.” It is a concept that always resonates with me – a mantra that explains why I am so deeply committed to my membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Just as our Society’s Founders saw the need to educate their fellow Americans about their shared rights and responsibilities, it is incumbent upon us to model good citizenship for the benefit of current generations. I believe this work has never been more important to America and can be a way to bring people together to realize that we have so much in common with one another.

Here are some non-political ways (in no particular order) that I try to model good citizenship – I am certain that you have your own. Please discuss them with members of your chapters and find ways to promote these and other similar behaviors within your community.

Respect The Flag of the United States of America

Here is an easy-to-use website that illustrates proper flag etiquette: https://www.usa.gov/flag.

As a refresher for your meetings, remember that “When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the Flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience.”

It is also interesting to note that the Flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution, every polling place on election days and during school days in or near every schoolhouse. Are your local institutions following this portion of the Flag Code? Is there an opportunity for you to donate a flagpole to a prominent location where our Flag might be displayed properly?

Why not take a few moments to read the U.S. Flag Code and then discuss it at a chapter meeting?

Stand for the National Anthem

The U.S. Flag Code states that persons present are expected to stand and face the Flag (if there is one). Civilians should stand to attention with right hand over heart, while military personnel in uniform and veterans should salute throughout. Do not speak but do sing along if appropriate, and don’t applaud at its conclusion, as it is considered a national hymn. Review details here.

Model this proper attention and respect when attending sporting events, meetings and other events.

Raise Good Citizens
Hariett Lothrop, who founded the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution said it best: "Good citizens cannot be made suddenly. They must grow... ." Are your children involved in C.A.R.? Do you support a Junior American Citizens Club in your community? These are ways that you can help to promote love of country in the leadership of tomorrow.

Register to Vote - and Cast Your Ballot

Approximately 240 million people were eligible to vote in the 2020 presidential election but only about 66 percent of them submitted ballots. Oppressed men and women around the globe envy our ability to elect our local, state and national leaders via the power the ballot. Play your role as an engaged citizen of our democracy in a republic by registering and voting.

Volunteer to Make a Meaningful Difference

Volunteerism, altruism and compassion are core underpinnings of the American spirit. In 1831, Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville visited the United States for a nine-month tour. He became inspired to write about American society, including the uniquely American tendency toward volunteerism. He noted in Democracy in America: “In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example and whose words are heeded.”

I am so proud that we have thus far accumulated nearly 14 million hours of service during the course of this administration. The volunteer work that you accomplish in your community is a marvelous illustration of good citizenship – thank you. Please be sure to input your hours right up until Congress in June so that we may present a full and complete picture of the impact that we have made since the beginning of the VanBuren Administration.