Jason Elmer Hammond

“ What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream;
’Tis the Star Spangled Banner,—O, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band that so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country shall leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep’s pollution. ”

“ The names of her illustrious citizens should be treasured in the memory. Every child should feel as though he is entitled to a share, not only in the blessings conferred by a free government, but also in the rich memories and glorious achievements of his country. ”

“ The schools should teach patriotism. Independence Day should be celebrated by them in such a manner as to impress its lessons indelibly upon the minds of future citizens; it should be celebrated during the school year, for children can thus be taught its value. I trust every school in our great State will so celebrate this day.—Jason E. Hammond.
“Patriotism is one of the positive lessons to be taught in every school. Everything learned should be flavored with a genuine love of country. Every glorious fact in the nation’s history should be emphasized and lovingly dwelt upon. ”