A Message from Dr. Robert P. George:
In 2023, I read about a rather disturbing Wall Street Journal poll indicating a precipitous decline in our fellow Americans’ belief in the importance of such values as patriotism, religion, family, and community—the values that used to unite Americans despite our many differences. The statement, "No man is an island,” is a cliche, but it’s true. As human beings, we all find fulfillment not in selfish pursuits but in the steadfast bonds we form with others.
There are a million things we can and should do to restore the faith of our people and begin to heal the dreadful division in our country. I’d like to invite you to join one small one.
By the authority vested in me by absolutely no one, I have declared June to be “Fidelity Month”— dedicated to the importance of fidelity to God, spouses and families, and our country and communities. Our blue and yellow symbol with a myrtle wreath—a classical image of fidelity—can be used in all the ways we use symbols these days. (Find it under our Resources tab.) We invite you to join the many who display it during June as temporary profile and banner photos on their social media accounts. You can also purchase Fidelity Month T-shirts, hats, websites, flags, banners etc. at our Merch page. (We sell all items at cost.) But feel free to create your own stickers, pins, etc. as well.
One of the most important things you and organizations in which you are involved can do is to officially recognize and celebrate Fidelity Month each June. Put out a statement. Write a letter to the editor. Ask your church, synagogue, or mosque to put it in the bulletin or newsletter (see our bulletin insert). Join the Fidelity Month Facebook group and share stories and pictures. Hold an event (like hosting a speaker on the importance of any of the values we need to restore). Think of other things to do.
If you are a public official and your office recognizes special days, months, etc., please officially recognize Fidelity Month. We have model resolutions for both legislative bodies and local leaders such as mayors and city councils.
If you are a legislator in a body that isn’t likely to recognize Fidelity Month, consider alternative means to raise its profile according to the customs and traditions of your assembly. It may be something as simple as reading a statement about Fidelity Month into the official record.
We are so grateful to the clergy who’ve preached sermons about Fidelity throughout June, like this one. Your church, parish, synagogue, or other congregation can also recognize Fidelity Month by incorporating our prayer into its liturgy or hosting a speaker about faithfully living as a member of a family, community, and nation.
Please don’t wait until June to think about and plan your Fidelity Month activities. And please let us know what you are doing! We will share it and help to spread the word on our social media pages and website.
Please share this message with others who should receive it. Fidelity Month is a grassroots movement. Spread the word!
Robert P. George
McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Founder, Fidelity Month
