Carolyn's Nonprofit Blog

When I posted this article in 2021, The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was hosting its annual Continental Congress. As each program began, members were invited to stand at home or from whatever location they were watching, to say the Pledge of Allegiance and to recite the American’s Creed.

“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

During these challenging times the American’s Creed is more important than ever. I believe as a nation, we should renew our interest in the American’s Creed and encourage the review and study of it by citizens of all ages.

“The American’s Creed” dates from WWI. It was written by William Tyler Page, the winning entry of a national contest and the title of a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 3, 1918. Denise Doring VanBuren, President General of DAR remarks:

“On the eve of World War I, a contest approved by President Wilson was announced to secure ‘the best summary of the political faith of America.’ In March 1917, the City of Baltimore offered a prize of $1,000 for the best entry (an amount equal to about $17,000 today). More than 3,000 entries were submitted prior to the closing of the contest on September 14, 1917. Fifty of these were turned over to a committee, and ‘Creed No. 384’ was selected as the best.”

The national organization, which also counts many members overseas, boasts a strong following and high standards of personal responsibility:

“With over 130 years of tradition, more than one million members admitted since its founding, a vast array of service work, a historic National Headquarters building with extraordinary collections and countless activities taking place locally, nationally and globally, there is much to learn about the Daughters of the American Revolution. The organization was founded in 1890 with the mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.”

I joined DAR almost by accident in 2010. I had agreed to assist a local Texas DAR chapter with a recognition event. An avid genealogist with the chapter asked if I might have ancestors who participated in the American Revolutionary War? I responded that I had heard perhaps our family had ancestors dating back to 18th century America, but I did not know for sure. She took it from there.

After detailed genealogical research conducted free of charge, I was formally approved and inducted. Today, I have five documented American Revolutionary War ancestors on my father’s side, and one more (approved in 2025) on my mother’s side, for a total of six documented ancestors. The review process is thorough, but thanks to technology the research and documentation process moves more quickly than when I originally joined.

Would you like to join DAR? Follow the link to learn more. We can help you establish your lineage free of charge as a public service.

I can say enthusiastically that discovering my ancestors and learning about their roles in the success of the American Revolutionary War has been among the most meaningful experiences of my life.

A few years ago, PBS produced, “American Creed,” a documentary featuring Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy. The basic framework for the discussion is, “What does it mean to be American? What holds us together in turbulent times?” Follow the link to learn more and to find helpful resources for all ages.

America can accomplish so much more together with understanding and tolerance than we can fighting one another. Let us return to the American’s Creed, and renew the conviction that we believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people (not just one group of Americans – all 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.

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To see my PowerPoint presentation to the Molly Goodnight Chapter of NSDAR in 2025, visit my ISSUU page. It focuses on my father’s side of the family and the development of the Panhandle of Texas and the American Southwest via the railroad, which our family brought to the region. My great grand aunt was the founding Regent of the Molly Goodnight Chapter, and she was active with the national organization. In many ways she was a precursor in conservation leadership to Lady Bird Johnson.

This post was updated in June 2025.