"The Man without a Country" by Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909)
A thought on patriotism:
"And for your country, boy," and the words rattled in his throat,"and for that flag,"and he pointed to the ship,"never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids you, though the service carry you through a thousand hells. No matter what happens to you, no more matter who flatters you or who abuses you, never look at another flag, never let a night pass but you pray to God to bless that flag. Remember, boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers, and government, and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to Her as you belong to your own mother. Stand by Her, boy, as you would stand by your mother, if those devils there had got ahold of her today!"
Lt. Philip Nolan, Army of the United States
"And for your country, boy," and the words rattled in his throat,"and for that flag,"and he pointed to the ship,"never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids you, though the service carry you through a thousand hells. No matter what happens to you, no more matter who flatters you or who abuses you, never look at another flag, never let a night pass but you pray to God to bless that flag. Remember, boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers, and government, and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to Her as you belong to your own mother. Stand by Her, boy, as you would stand by your mother, if those devils there had got ahold of her today!"
Lt. Philip Nolan, Army of the United States