![Connie Stone accepts The American's Creed leaflets — on behalf of Clark Youngblood, Santa Rosa County Social Studies Coordinator — from Three Rivers Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Vice Regent Rita Takeuchi and historian Cara Enfinger. [Special to the Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-68a1f7e2-b2a9-69b4-e053-0100007fb184-68df90d0.jpeg)
MILTON — April marks the 100th anniversary of the congressional adoption of the American’s Creed — a statement defining American identity written by William Tyler Page. The Three Rivers Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated this occasion by supplying informational leaflets to all 7th grade civics students in the Santa Rosa County School District.
The American's Creed begins, "I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people." In total, it's approximately 100 words long.
“We begin all of our chapter meetings with a ritual that includes the Pledge of Allegiance…, the American’s Creed and the Preamble to the Constitution,” Rita Takeuchi, vice regent of the local DAR chapter, said. “When I realized that April marked the 100th anniversary of the Creed, I wanted to highlight that fact.”
The national DAR organization had the leaflets available, so the organization saw it beneficial to educate students on the document. This task aligns with the objectives of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, according to Takeuchi, as laid out in their first meeting in 1890.
The organization’s objectives are:
- Historical: to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence
- Educational: to carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, "to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion…"
- Patriotic: to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty
Throughout the year, the DAR gives back to local students in other ways.
“Every September, we donate pocket Constitutions to students during Constitution Week,” Takeuchi said. “We also annually award a DAR Youth Citizenship certificate and scholarship. Additionally, we present one JROTC medal at each of two schools every year.”
"I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are 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 American’s Creed
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Local organization donates educational packets to students