FIRST WORLD PATRIOT AWARDS

Patriotism, the devotion to one's country, has often played a powerful role in history. Could this force move beyond nationalism and help humanity as a whole? We have world citizenship, why not world patriotism?
Patriotic fervor can foment war. Cynics might argue, for example, that under the guise of protection of the nation the USA went to war against Iraq, yet the real motive was empire building or neocolonialism.
We could readily imagine China and Russia using old-style patriotism to attempt to restore lost empire. But what if we raise patriotism to a new, higher standard?
Transforming patriotism into world patriotism offers a constructive shift of perspective that could turn war into peace. World patriotism invites nations to join a democratic world federation. The opportunity for enforceable world law as an alternative to war. Finally, to unite on behalf of all humanity, not simply for narrow national self-interest.
The Board of Directors of Democratic World Federalists voted unanimously to establish the "World Patriot Award." The award honors individuals whose work and dedication is clearly on behalf of the world public interest. It is presented as an inscribed bronze on wood plaque.
The first recipients of the World Patriot Award were fittingly enough, two of our own -- committed democratic world federalists.
On April 3, 2005 at the DWF Annual Meeting in San Francisco, we proudly announced our choice for the first annual World Patriot Awards -- Mary E. Harris and Dr. John O. Sutter.
Activist and artist Mary Harris, our Secretary of the Democratic World Federalists, was commended for having "provided an invaluable record of proceedings" over many years along with a valued intangible: "Her care for all humanity shows in all that she does, no task too large or too small. Hers is an invaluable influence not easily measured, but felt from the heart."
Dr. John Sutter is our award winning editor and President of D.W.F. The award describes Dr. Sutter as a "dedicated activist for world peace through enforceable world law" whose editorials and articles in Toward Democratic World Federation have been exemplary. A retired foreign service career has evolved into "global statesmanship of the highest order, reaching out beyond the nation-state on behalf of all humanity."
On behalf of Democratic World Federalists I would like to thank and congratulate Mary Harris and John Sutter for setting such a high standard for the rest of us. The World Patriot Award is richly deserved. You provide a model of dedication and integrity on behalf of the world public interest, and an inspiration to us all.
I predict that "world patriot" will join the lexicon of "world citizen" and "world federalist," and promote a constructive, dynamic influence bringing a new pride and inspiration for those people working for peace, a healthy Earth, prosperity, and justice for all. -- Roger Kotila