May 28

May 28 The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten. Calvin Coolidge, 30th President, 1923-1929 Quote from Coolidge's speech on July 27, 1920, accepting the Vice-Presidential nomination to serve with Warren Harding. At that time the United States was recovering from its participation in World War I and a primary concern was caring for the veterans of that war. "Whenever in the future this nation undertakes to assess its strength and resources, the largest item will be the roll of those who served her in every patriotic capacity in the world war. There are those who bore the civil tasks of that great undertaking, often at heavy sacrifices, always with the disinterested desire to serve their country. There are those who wore the uniform. The presence of the living, the example of the dead, will ever be a standing guaranty of the stability of our republic. From their rugged virtue springs a never-ending obligation to hold unimpaired the principles established by their victory. Honor is theirs forevermore. Duty compels that those promises, so freely made, that out of their sacrifices they should have a larger life, be speedily redeemed. Care of dependents, relief from distress, restoration from infirmity, provision for education, honorable preferment in the public service, a helping hand everywhere, are theirs not as a favor but by right. They have conquered the claim to suitable recognition in all things. The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten." Another concern was reverting back to a peacetime economy and returning "the voice" and responsibility back to the people with less arbitrary governing as was perceived to be necessary during a war. "Unless the government and property of the nation are in the hands of the people, and there to stay as their permanent abiding place, self-government ends and the hope of America goes down in ruins." With fundamental rights come responsibility- "...it is the first duty of the public and press to expose false doctrines and answer seditious arguments. American institutions can stand discussion and criticism, only if those who know bear for them the testimony of the truth."