Our Priceless Heritage

The Freedom Foundation is a "non-political, non-sectarian organization" whose aim is to make awards for "contributions toward a better understanding of freedom." This foundation recently made over 800 awards to groups and individuals all over the nation. Many of these went to worthy speakers and organizations, like General Eisenhower, Charles E. Wilson, and the Crusade for Freedom, but some very poor choices weakened the whole program. Too many awards were made solely on the basis of "Americanism."

A comic strip called "The Berrys," which won a fourth prize, is the day-to-day epic of a dumb but well intentioned father, a port mother, and two sweet mischievous kiddies. Another freedom award was given to Pasadena's "Tournament of Roses" committee because it sponsored a parade dedicated to "Our American Heritage." Even advertising campaigns dramatizing weary American pioneers trudging through vast wildernesses rated freedom medals. These do not contribute much to understanding freedom, but play up "Americanism" for its own sake.

This flag-waving hurts the Freedom Foundation, and lessens the worth of its prizes. Next year, the Foundation should screen its awards more carefully; it should recognize the fact that love of freedom is not any nation's monopoly.