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Literary
April 15, 1944
Bradley Beam
Windsor Locks, Hartford County, Connecticut
What is this article about?
T/5 Bernard H. Smith's prizewinning essay from the 91st Infantry Division's contest explains his reasons for fighting: to protect the freedoms and rights shared by all free peoples worldwide, viewing threats to global liberty as personal perils to his own property, honor, and future.
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WHY I FIGHT
In an Essay Contest on, "Why I Fight," conducted by the 91st Infantry Division T/5 Bernard H Smith won first prize. The contest was conducted as part of the regular Division Orientation program
Following is T/5 Smith's essay.
The people of the United States are the government. Therefore, I who am one of the people, am a part of the government of my country. When the property or the people or the honor of my country is imperilled, it is my property or myself or my honor which is imperilled, as well as if my house or my person were attacked or endangered. That which affects my government and my country affects me also. If my country prospers then I prosper. If my country is bound in miseries, then likewise I am bound in miseries.
So it is in a larger sense with all of the free peoples of the Earth, held together by a bond more lasting than any written laws and enforced by a will far stronger than any physical might. This is the bond of understanding between people who possess an inherent desire for the common peace, for an utter absence of fear for any man or any group of men, a desire for the simple occupation of pursuing the course of life in freedom and equality.
If a free people of any race or creed or color on this Earth be imperilled as to property, person or honor, it is logical that I consider the peril as great to my own property, person and honor as it is to the endangered. For I am a free man and the rights of all free men must be respected and protected over the Earth. If I allow them to be disregarded in Europe or in Asia, I may expect them to be disregarded in my own neighborhood.
This is why I fight: Those rights of freedom that belong to all men have been imperilled and endangered. Even as I prospered through them in peace, so must I share the responsibilities and the miseries that have come since they were attacked. Thus, since I am a part of that government, it is my property and my honor and myself that have been attacked.
If the danger to these rights and liberties is not at once removed and forever crushed, I will be forced to stand guard over them, and my family and my children after me: I will live in constant fear that the danger might overwhelm me. I will be enslaved to a routine of watchfulness and my self respect will amount to naught.
Living thus in a state of fear and slavery, I would not be free.
This is why I fight.
In an Essay Contest on, "Why I Fight," conducted by the 91st Infantry Division T/5 Bernard H Smith won first prize. The contest was conducted as part of the regular Division Orientation program
Following is T/5 Smith's essay.
The people of the United States are the government. Therefore, I who am one of the people, am a part of the government of my country. When the property or the people or the honor of my country is imperilled, it is my property or myself or my honor which is imperilled, as well as if my house or my person were attacked or endangered. That which affects my government and my country affects me also. If my country prospers then I prosper. If my country is bound in miseries, then likewise I am bound in miseries.
So it is in a larger sense with all of the free peoples of the Earth, held together by a bond more lasting than any written laws and enforced by a will far stronger than any physical might. This is the bond of understanding between people who possess an inherent desire for the common peace, for an utter absence of fear for any man or any group of men, a desire for the simple occupation of pursuing the course of life in freedom and equality.
If a free people of any race or creed or color on this Earth be imperilled as to property, person or honor, it is logical that I consider the peril as great to my own property, person and honor as it is to the endangered. For I am a free man and the rights of all free men must be respected and protected over the Earth. If I allow them to be disregarded in Europe or in Asia, I may expect them to be disregarded in my own neighborhood.
This is why I fight: Those rights of freedom that belong to all men have been imperilled and endangered. Even as I prospered through them in peace, so must I share the responsibilities and the miseries that have come since they were attacked. Thus, since I am a part of that government, it is my property and my honor and myself that have been attacked.
If the danger to these rights and liberties is not at once removed and forever crushed, I will be forced to stand guard over them, and my family and my children after me: I will live in constant fear that the danger might overwhelm me. I will be enslaved to a routine of watchfulness and my self respect will amount to naught.
Living thus in a state of fear and slavery, I would not be free.
This is why I fight.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Liberty Freedom
Political
Patriotism
What keywords are associated?
Freedom
Rights
War
Patriotism
Global Liberty
Essay Contest
What entities or persons were involved?
T/5 Bernard H Smith
Literary Details
Title
Why I Fight
Author
T/5 Bernard H Smith
Subject
Essay Contest On "Why I Fight" Conducted By The 91st Infantry Division
Key Lines
This Is Why I Fight: Those Rights Of Freedom That Belong To All Men Have Been Imperilled And Endangered.
If A Free People Of Any Race Or Creed Or Color On This Earth Be Imperilled As To Property, Person Or Honor, It Is Logical That I Consider The Peril As Great To My Own Property, Person And Honor As It Is To The Endangered.
Living Thus In A State Of Fear And Slavery, I Would Not Be Free.
This Is Why I Fight.