Page 3 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2023 v1.3

Volume 100, Issue 4 3

NATIONAL COMMANDER’S MESSAGE

In our Purposes, we claim that “developing true patriotism and Americanism
throughout the nation” is one of the purposes of the National Sojourners. The
Heroes of ’76 support these aims by dressing in Colonial Uniforms and presenting
the Programs of the National Sojourners. But where do we define Americanism?

Before we define Americanism, let’s take a look at why it is important. We live in
an age where there are those in our own country that are trying to tear down the
very foundations of our Nation and who claim that Americanism is a bad thing.
They feel that we are a bad country and that we should not be proud to be
Americans. Well, I am proud to be an American, and proud to share our values with
others. This is the primary purpose of many of our Veterans’ organizations, to foster
a love and faith in our country, based on the principles of our founding.

Brother President Theodore Roosevelt said, “Americanism means the virtues of courage, honor, justice,
truth, sincerity, and hardihood – the virtues that made America.” Citizens of the United States of America,
whether natural-born or naturalized, need to hear and understand the virtues described by Brother Roosevelt.
We need to understand what it means to be an American. Our Programs help us to share and demonstrate these
values with others.

America has an identity that falls in line with our Masonic Values: freedom of thought, speech and action
(from the Scottish Rite Creed); equality before the law; independence; democracy and progress.

According to the American Legion, “Americanism is an ideology or a belief in devotion, loyalty, or
allegiance to the United States of America, or respect for its flag, its traditions, its customs, its culture, its
symbols, its institutions, or its form of government.”

I challenge you to use the programs of our Order to foster and promote Americanism in our Nation,
especially to our youth. Do not sit and wait for an invitation to present a program, actively seek opportunities.
Talk to your school systems, churches, and civic organizations in your area and let them know what we have
to offer. And then present the programs well!

This is our Purpose.

Brian C. Coffey
National Commander
Heroes of ‘76
2023-2024