The highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to call her to a higher plain

The highest patriotism is not a blind acceptance of official policy, but a love of one's country deep enough to call her to a higher plain.

One Bright Shining Moment

Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life. (Address to Congress on Resigning Commission Dec 23, 1783)

Many free countries have lost their liberty, and ours may lose hers; but if she shall, be it my proudest plume, not that I was the last to desert, but that I never deserted her

A good country song taps into strong undercurrents of family, faith, and patriotism.