A quotation by Commager, Henry Steele

It is easier to say what loyalty is not than what it is. It is not conformity. It is not passive acquiescence in the status quo. It is not preference for everything American over everything foreign. It is not an ostrich-like ignorance of other countries and other institutions. It is not the indulgence in ceremony — a flag salute, an oath of allegiance, a fervid verbal declaration. It is not a particular creed, a particular version of history, a particular body of economic practices, a particular philosophy.

Henry Steele Commager (1902-1998) American historian, writer, activist

“Who Is Loyal to America?” Harper’s Magazine #1168 (Sep 1947)

#quote #quotation #ceremony #conformity #ignorance #loyalty #nationalism #patriotism #status-quo

More notes and sourcing on WIST: https://wist.info/commager-henry-steele/51987/