Declaration of Independence Signer Benjamin Rush, “On Patriotism” – October 20, 1773
To His Fellow Countrymen
Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of society as natural affection is for the support of families. The Amor Patriae [Latin for “Love of Country”] is both a moral and religious duty. It comprehends not only the love of our neighbors but of millions of our fellow creatures, not only of the present but of future generations.