Vigo County Historical Society
Historical Treasure Article
Historic Treasure of the Week -
July 7, 2002
By Marylee Hagan
Vigo County Historical Society
Commentary on patriotism stands test of time
Oftentimes, when searching for one thing at the Vigo County Historical Museum, we will come across something that is unfamiliar to the staff.
One of those newly discovered treasures is a small book of songs titled “Songs of America--a collection of Patriotic and National Airs.” According to the title page, the booklet was “compiled and arranged especially for use in the school and home.”
Made available compliments of Adolph Herz, prominent Terre Haute businessman and philanthropist, the copyright date is 1910. Distributed as an advertisement on patriotism that reflected Mr. Herz’ pride in and love of Terre Haute. The commentary, in its entirety, follows. Appropriate today, as it was nearly 100 years ago, it is food for thought for all of us.
Patriotism
Patriotism is love for one’s country and zeal in supporting her interests, and has ever been regarded as one of the most exalted virtues.
Like all virtues, it has its most common exercise in little things.
As the country is made up of state and town, so the exercise of patriotism begins at home and manifests its love of country and zeal for her interests first, by a pride in and zeal for the welfare of one’s own community.
Think highly of your own town. Speak well of her--you can talk her up or down as you can a friend--Seek to know her advantages and virtues and endeavor to strengthen and improve them.
Find her vice and abolish them--see to it that laws are enforced.
Honor and respect those in authority. Ask yourself--
“What kind of town would my town be if every citizen was just like me?”
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Web site: http://web.indstate.edu/community/vchs.