My country has been very good to me; I must be good to my

Hearken, children of the future, and attend to the words of Walter Annenberg, who proclaimed that “My country has been very good to me; I must be good to my country.” In this simple yet profound declaration lies the eternal principle of reciprocal loyalty: when the land nurtures, sustains, and blesses a citizen, it becomes the sacred duty of that citizen to honor, protect, and elevate the nation in return. Annenberg’s insight reveals that patriotism is not merely sentiment or ceremony, but an active responsibility, a moral and practical covenant between individual and homeland.

The origin of this reflection lies in Annenberg’s own life, a testament to prosperity, opportunity, and influence. Born into a world of privilege, yet dedicated to public service, he recognized that the benefits he received—from freedom, opportunity, and security—were not solely personal achievements, but gifts of the nation itself. To receive abundance carries with it the sacred obligation to give back, to ensure that the blessings of one generation are extended and preserved for the next.

Consider the historical example of George Washington, who, after leading a nation to independence, did not cling to power, but retired to his home at Mount Vernon. In recognizing that the country had entrusted him with its destiny, he returned the gift of leadership and service with integrity, humility, and dedication to the common good. Washington’s actions embody the principle Annenberg extols: when a nation nurtures its citizen, the citizen honors it through service, stewardship, and moral responsibility.

Annenberg’s words further illuminate the moral dimension of gratitude. Goodness to one’s country is expressed in myriad ways: through civic engagement, philanthropy, ethical leadership, and the promotion of justice and opportunity. To acknowledge the nation’s generosity is to act in ways that reinforce its strength, unity, and values. True patriotism, therefore, is an active and deliberate effort to sustain and enhance the very structures, freedoms, and ideals that make a nation worthy of devotion.

In the modern era, Annenberg himself became a living example of this principle. His contributions to education, media, and cultural institutions were driven by a sense of obligation to the country that had provided him opportunity. By fostering knowledge, supporting public discourse, and empowering communities, he honored the nation with deeds that multiplied the blessings he had received, ensuring that his gratitude was not idle, but transformative.

From this reflection flows a practical lesson: recognize the gifts your country has bestowed upon you—liberty, security, opportunity, and community—and find ways to return goodness in meaningful action. Serve others, uphold the law, engage in civic life, support education, and contribute to the common welfare. In doing so, the flame of gratitude becomes the torch of patriotism, illuminating both your path and the path of those who follow.

Moreover, teach this principle to your peers and communities. Inspire others to understand that the benefits of society carry with them responsibilities, and that the measure of a citizen is found not only in what they receive, but in what they give back. By cultivating collective service, ethical engagement, and moral stewardship, the bond between citizen and nation is strengthened, and the health of society endures across generations.

Thus, children of tomorrow, inscribe upon your hearts this eternal truth: when a country blesses its citizens, they are called to respond with devotion, integrity, and active service. Let your gratitude take form in deeds, your respect in vigilance, and your loyalty in the cultivation of the common good. In this sacred reciprocity, as Walter Annenberg so wisely teaches, you honor both the past that nurtured you and the future that depends upon your goodness.