Support for the war was not universal, especially since the new Congress had been elected on a platform of non-belligerency.  Socialists, Pacifists and some German- and Austrian-Americans actively worked against American military and economic interests.  The Espionage Act was passed on June 17.

Mr. Page was Clerk of the U. S. House of Representatives at the time, when he wrote this creed. The House adopted the creed on behalf of the American people on April 3, 1918.

Its original purpose is not entirely clear today, other than perhaps to remind folks that loyalty is a precondition of being an American.  Many of the words are borrowed from earlier American documents and addresses, and some of its contents could stand clarification. Hidden in its folds is an interesting reference to "sovereign states" which is seldom encountered outside of the Confederate Constitution.

Nonetheless, its last sentence should be as true today as it was in 1917.