The Pledge and Creed of All Americans
"I believe in the people of the United States, I believe in the United States form of government, I believe in the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, I believe that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
"I believe in our Government of the People, by the People and for the People, a government whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a Sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States, a Democracy in a Republic, a perfect Union, one and inseparable.
"A Union which will live because of the vital principles ofFreedom, Equality, Justice, Humanity and Kindness which it contains, and for which American Patriots have willingly sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
"I therefore believe that in order to respect my own manhood I must love my country, support its Constitution and obey its Laws; also that I must respect its Flag, and defend it against all enemies."
After which may come the Scout oath, Pioneer oath or Camp-fire oath, as the case may be. Then the command is given to "spread ponchos," followed by the command "squat!" when all the Scouts, Woodcrafters, Pioneers, or students squat tailor-fashion upon their ponchos, and the guests seat themselves on the benches which have been provided for them.
Following this comes the address by the speakers, the entertainments and exhibitions of woodcraft, scoutcraft, or handicraft, the games, and other entertainment; then follows the awarding of honors. After which all stand to sing "America." Then the Chief or Leader steps forward and repeats the following
Appeal
O Great Mystery, we beseech thee (as previously given) and ends up with the benediction, in which he uses the Indian phraseology:
"May the Great Mystery put sunshine in all your hearts. Good-night."
Transcriber's Notes:Obvious punctuation errors repaired. The text sometimes had very narrow spaces between words this was not retained. Varied hyphenation was retained.Page ii, "quad" changed to "quod" (objectum quod complexum)Page 103, "Rodger" changed to "Rodgers" (Washington, George Rodgers Clark)Page 137, an upside down 1 was present in the number "192". ((Fig. 192), then put a loop)Page 189, illustration of a Pack Train Outfit is missing letters for Q and R.Page 202, "confortable" changed to "comfortable" (a very comfortable mattress)
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired. The text sometimes had very narrow spaces between words this was not retained. Varied hyphenation was retained.
Page ii, "quad" changed to "quod" (objectum quod complexum)
Page 103, "Rodger" changed to "Rodgers" (Washington, George Rodgers Clark)
Page 137, an upside down 1 was present in the number "192". ((Fig. 192), then put a loop)
Page 189, illustration of a Pack Train Outfit is missing letters for Q and R.
Page 202, "confortable" changed to "comfortable" (a very comfortable mattress)