This concise, enlightening volume combines a short story and essays that present tales of patriotism, hard work, self-worth, and ingenuity.

The Man Without a Country, by Edward Everett Hale

Originally written in 1863 by a relative of patriot Nathan Hale, this story, according to the author, was created "for the single purpose of teaching young Americans what it is to have a country, what is the duty which they owe to that country, and how central that duty is among all the duties of their lives."

Philip Nolan, a fictional character also known as the man without a country,...

Elbert Hubbard penned his classic essay, -A Message to Garcia- in one hour after a dinnertime discussion with his family. The family's conclusion? The true hero of the Spanish-American war was Captain Rowan, a messenger who braved death by carrying a note behind the lines to Garcia, the leader of the insurgents who was hiding somewhere in Cuba. But where? No matter, Rowan found him and delivered his message Hubbard saw that Rowan's initiative contained lessons for everyone, not just those in the military. Hubbard calls upon readers to be like Rowan, worthy of carrying their own 'message...