"To be an American..."
By Father Edward J. Flanagan, May 1946
 In June 1946, Father Edward J. Flanagan spoke at the "I am an American Day" celebration in Denver, Colorado. Following are excerpts from this speech.
"...This is what it means to be an American to give others the same consideration we demand for ourselves. Our first concern as Americans is to live as Americans ought to live.
We must not forget that government exists for man, not man for government. It is our moral and patriotic duty to oppose with all the strength that is in us any manifestation of punitive government. It is our American duty to acknowledge and respect the rights of the minority as well as the will of the majority.
To be an American means I will be found always on the side of every man who is oppressed, and always the relentless foe of the oppression, regardless of what form it may assume. It means that I will expose fraud and deceit without fear or favoritism. It means that in my own efforts to protect my own rights, I will never be found guilty of trampling on the rights and privileges of my fellow citizen.
Un- Americanism and juvenile delinquency have the same roots in the neglect and mistreatment of children and minorities. Children who are poorly treated become not only community but national problems. You can’t expect a man who has enjoyed none of the advantages of his citizenship to have a very great fondness for his country..."
Thomas Lynch
Director
Hall of History and Father Flanagan House
Boys Town, Nebraska
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