Patriotic American Youth

Logo for the Patriotic American Youth picturing a teenage boy and girl at a podium with P.A.Y. on it. The American flag is in the background with an arch over them that reads Patriotic American Youth.

Patriotic American Youth logo

In the 1950s and 1960s, Mississippians explored ways to teach children about the dangers of communism. In 1958, the Patriotic American Youth (PAY) was created to involve high school and college students in the fight against communism. According to an official publication of the Patriotic American Youth, "the purpose of the PAY organization is to give information and inspiration that will develop leaders in government administration, thereby strengthening political structure of our Republic." (November 1961 PayDay) PayDay, the publication of PAY, states that the journal is "dedicated to the objectives of informing our people and particularly the young people, of the deadly threat of Communism and of rededicating this generation to the form of government as conceived by our forefathers." (PayDay December 1961)    

The organization consisted of local chapters in high schools and universities, which had a faculty sponsor and permission of the school or university to organize. The original board of the Patriotic American Youth included leading administrators from the major universities in Mississippi, as well as several former members of the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission, a state funded organization that defended and promoted racial segregation.

Flyer from the first Patriotic American Youth conference.<br /> <br /> First annual convention patriotic American youth [patriotic misspelled on flyer] hotel Heidelberg Jackson Mississippi March 23 24th 1962 Friday, March 23 3 PM opening session 8 PM address Dr. George Benson President Harding College<br /> <br /> Saturday, March 24 high school and college discussion group<br /> <br /> Films: Latvia my Latvia, two Berlins, operation abolition<br /> <br /> Banquet Saturday night speaker Charles W Wiley, news columnist author and lecturer. New York City<br /> <br /> Dance free on student badge key notes orchestra fun for everybody

Flyer, 1st Patriotic American Youth Convention, March 23-24, 1962

In 1958, Sara McCorkle started the Patriotic American Youth when she was the Head of the Women's Division of the Citizen's Council, also called the Paul Revere Ladies.  According to an oral history with Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission Director Erle Johnston, Jr., McCorkle "was trying her best to get young people to be conservative-minded. And she was a very dedicated lady, I'll say that for her, and I did help out every now and then." [Erle Johnston Oral History] 

None of the literature produced by the Patriotic American Youth supports the claim that the group defended segregation, but the group's affiliation with other groups alludes to these beliefs. The Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission donated $2500 to PAY when it was first created with smaller donations in following years. [November 20, 1964 telegram about funding PAY] Since PAY was not state funded, McCorkle sought donations to fund resources and lectures for the members, as well as the daily operations. These expenses included the salaries of McCorkle and a staff member, films, speakers, books for PAY reading programs in schools, and the cost of printing flyers. Many of the resources used with the students came from the House Un-American Activities Committee including pamphlets, flyers, and documentary films like Operation Abolition and My Latvia. All of the resources highlighted the suspected evils of the Communist Party.

Title page of the book<br /> <br /> Communist-Socialist <br /> Propaganda in<br /> American Schools<br /> <br /> By Verne P(aul) Kaub<br /> <br /> A documented study of the role of National Education Association in taking in the indoctrination of the youth of our country with the ideology of Communism-Socialism. <br /> <br /> Fourth Printing 1958<br /> <br /> Fifth Printing, 1960<br /> Four previous printings, all by Meador of Boston, were cloth bound<br /> <br /> Picture of a chair in an emblem<br /> American Council of Christian Laymen<br /> Madison 1, Wisconsin<br /> <br /> Across the image of the chair is the stamp that reads Forrest County Freedom Book Store

Communist-Socialist Propaganda in American Schools by Verne Paul Kaub (1960)

The organization was not officially affiliated with any political party or group. The offices of the organization did at one time share space with the John Birch Society headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi. In the same building was a Freedom Book Store, which was run by "voluntary interested citizens" and sold pro-American and anti-communist materials. 

Starting in 1962, annual conferences were held around the state. Early conferences included a handful of presentations over the course of one day. By 1974, the conferences lasted a week with over 20 speakers addressing topics such as "What is Communism and How it Effects our Internal Security," "The Communist Mind and Tactics," and "Young People under Hitlerism and Communism."

Cover of the program for the June 9-15, 1974 patriotic American youth conference. Also called the All-American forum V, the conference was held at the university of southern Mississippi. <br /> <br /> In the center of the page is a photograph of an older man and surrounding him are emblems from the US Army, FBI, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, and Marine Corp. Below the picture is "Our Internal Security" with a Patriotic American Youth emblem.

Brochure, All American Forum V presented by Patriotic American Youth, June 9-15, 1974

Broadside with red and blue banners on the rights and left of the page. In red lettering at the top of the page is Patriotic American youth purposes and policy. Below that reads<br /> <br /> To have an organization of young people who are primarily interested in maintaining the form of government as conceived by our forefathers and set forth in the constitution of the United States of America.<br /> <br /> To provide document reports from security sources that will instruct the youth of our nation on the current dangers that threaten our local state and national governments.<br /> <br /> To develop our students into informed and active leaders who will be able to give other students and the public the truth regarding the communist conspiracy to dominate the world.<br /> <br /> To encourage students to become informed and interested in the field of government administration to those who desire to enter that feel professionally special attention and assistance is given.<br /> <br /> We propose to expose the truth about communism it’s history background purposes and fallacies.<br /> <br /> PAY is wholly non-partisan and will take no part in the promotion or the cause of any political party or any candidate for public office.<br /> <br /> It is our sincere desire to place emphasis upon patriotism and loyalty to our country. To demonstrate that our form of government and our way of life with the freedoms of religion speech press etc. so far excel over the Soviet way that no true comparison can be made.<br /> <br /> To explain and teach the free enterprise system and its contributions to the American people the system must be understood and maintained if America is to stay free.<br /> <br /> To emphasize more fully our belief in God to maintain our right to home ownership and to continue our form of constitutional government.

Patriotic American Youth's Purposes and Policy (undated)

Schedule for the state convention for patriotic American youth. It was held March 22 and 23rd, 1963 at the hotel Heidelberg in Jackson, Mississippi.<br /> <br /> Friday, March 22<br /> <br /> 3 PM to 7:30 PM registration<br /> 7:30 PM General assembly, mr. Charles Blackwell, chairman, executive committee, presiding<br /> Prayer Reverend Glenn Majure, Chaplin<br /> Pledge of allegiance Miss Judy moon, soloist<br /> Welcome address Judge Henry Lee Rodgers<br /> Message from president, college division Mr. Stephen Beech, I I I<br /> Message from president, high school division Mr. Boyd Gatlin<br /> Solo Miss Judy moon<br /> Address: America’s future in youths business by the Honorable Vaughan Watkins, immediate past president, Mississippi economic Council<br /> Closing prayer Reverend Glenn majure<br /> <br /> Saturday, March 23<br /> 8:30 AM to 9 AM model program – the American form of government, Forrest high school<br /> 9 AM to 10:30 AM buzz sessions<br /> 10:30 AM to 10:45 AM Coke break<br /> 10:45 AM to 11 AM General assembly announcements<br /> 11 AM to 11:30 AM youth speaks live TV panel-university team. subject: Americas internal and external threat of communism.<br /> 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM lunch<br /> 1:30 PM to 2:10 PM model program – our knowledge of our enemy – university of southern Mississippi<br /> 2:10 PM to 3:45 PM buzz sessions<br /> 3:45 PM to 4 PM Coke break<br /> 4 PM elections – college division, high school division, state executive committee.<br /> 7 PM to 9 PM banquet – ToastMaster, Farmer Jim Neil, speaker Mr. Jim files, entertainer, Miss Mississippi Miss Charlotte Ann Carroll<br /> 9 PM until till – dance<br /> Come - fun for all!!!

Program, 2nd Annual Patriotic American Youth State Convention, March 22-23, 1963

Front cover of the brochure for the Patriotic American Youth’s All American Forum held at the University of Southern Mississippi for 6 days on June 9-June 15, 1974. It was sponsored by the Patriotic American Youth and the University of Southern Mississippi. <br /> <br /> A photograph of the Lucas Administration Building can also be found on the brochure cover.

Conference Program, All American Forum V, June 9-15, 1974

Current communist goals<br /> The 45 current communist goals listed below appeared in the Congressional record of January 10, 1963. They were taken from the naked communist by W. CLEON skousen who began his extensive study of communism during his 16 year term of service with the federal Bureau of investigation. Mr. SKOUSEN is now field director of the American security council.<br /> <br /> One. US acceptance of coexistence of the old as the only alternative to atomic war.<br /> Two. US willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.<br /> Three. Develop the illusion that totaled his arm it by the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.<br /> Four. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.<br /> Five. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.<br /> Six provide American age all nations regardless of communist denomination.<br /> Seven grant recognition of red China. Admission of red China to let you in.<br /> Eight. Set up east and west Germany as separate states in spite of Krushchev’s promise in 1955 to settle the Germany question by free elections under supervision of the UN.<br /> Nine. Prolong the conference is to ban atomic tests because the US has agreed to suspend test as long as negotiations are in progress.<br /> 10. Allow also be at satellites individual representation in the UN.<br /> Promote you in as the only hope for me and kind. If it’s charter is rewritten demand that it be set up as a one world government with its own independent Armed Forces. Some communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the UN as by Moscow sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.<br /> Number 12 resist any attempt to outlaw the communist party.<br /> 13. Do away with all loyalty us.<br /> 14. Continue giving Russia access to the US patent office.<br /> 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.<br /> 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.<br /> 17. Get control of the schools use them as transmission belts for socialism and current communistic propaganda. Soften the curriculums get control of teachers associations put the party line in textbooks.<br /> 18. Gain control of all student newspapers.<br /> 19. Use student rights to foment public pride protests against programs or organizations which are under communist attack.<br /> 20. Infiltrate the press. Control of book review assignments, editorial writing policymaking positions.<br /> 21 gain control of key positions in radio TV and motion pictures.<br /> 20 to continue discrediting American culture about grading all forms of artistic expression. An American communist cell was told to eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings substitute shapeless awkward and meaningless forms.<br /> 23 control art critics and directors of art museums. Our plan is to promote ugliness repulsive meaningless art<br /> 24 illuminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them censorship and a violation of free speech and Free Press.<br /> 25 break down cultural standards of morality promoting pornography and obscenity in books magazines motion pictures radio and TV.<br /> 26 present homosexuality degeneracy and promiscuity as normal natural healthy.<br /> 27 infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with social religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize a need for intellectual maturity which does not need a religious crutch.<br /> 28 eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of separation of church and state.<br /> 29 discredit the American Constitution by calling it in adequate old fashion out of step with modern needs a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.<br /> <br /> 30 discredit the American founding fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who have no concern for the common man.<br /> 31 Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teachings of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the big picture. Give more emphasis to Russian history since the communist took over.<br /> 30 to support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture education social agencies welfare programs mental health clinics etc.<br /> 33 illuminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the communist apparatus<br /> 34 eliminate the House committee on un-American activities<br /> 35 discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI<br /> 36 infiltrate and gain control of more union<br /> 37 infiltrate and gain control of big business<br /> <br /> 38 transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrist can understand or treat<br /> 39 dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose communist goals.<br /> 40 discredit the family as an institution encourage promiscuity and easy divorce<br /> 41 emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents attribute prejudice is mental blocks and retarding of children to suppress of influence of parents<br /> 42 Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition that students in special interest group should rise up and use united force to solve economic political or social problems<br /> 43 overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self government<br /> 44 internationalize the Panama Canal<br /> 45 repeal the Connally reservation of the US cannot prevent the world court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems give the world court jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike<br /> <br /> This is a public service of patriotic American youth PO Box 363, Jackson, MS

Flyer, Current Communist Goals

The mission of the Christian church on earth (opening statement of Joe Hess, president of college division of patriotic American youth in a debate on WLBT youth speaks September 1965)<br /> <br /> The church is not an organization but an organism. Therefore, it is not a social club, organized and supported solely for the benefit of its members. it is not a place of amusement to administer to the base or passions of the carnal nature of man. the church is not a reform bureau to save the bodies of men. Reformation of men is very commendable as are all forms of social service, but that is not the work of the mission of the church. The world was just as full if not more so of the evils that affect society today in the days of Christ, but he never, nor did the disciples organize any reform agencies. He knew that the source of all evils in the world is sin and the only way to eradicate sin is to rejuvenate the human heart and so he gave the world the gospel. And the mission of the church is to carry that gospel to the whole world. The gospel is not a system of ethics nor a code of morals; it is a proclamation of salvation. The purpose of the gospel is not to save society but to save the individual members that are to compose the body of Christ the church. The great mistake the church has made is appropriating to herself the promises of earthly conquest and glory. As soon as the church enters into an alliance with the world and seeks the help of parliaments, congresses, legislatures, federations, and reform societies, largely made up of ungodly men and women, she loses her spiritual power and becomes helpless as a redeeming power and force. The futile efforts of those who seek to make the earth a more comfortable habitation for men and bring about a Federation of all religious bodies are in actuality attempts to bring about a godless civilization. The tactics are to neutralize the efforts of the church, the method is to divert her efforts from the evangelization of the world to methods of better social betterment and does make the world a better place to live in, forgetting that as the natural man cannot be spiritually saved through culture neither can the world. Therefore all efforts to save the world by social betterment are futile. And when the church lens her aid to such methods, she confess that Christ’s method of saving the world is insufficient, and thus denounces the power of the gospel.<br /> <br /> The common opinion is that all the evils of society are in man’s surroundings or environment; where they are in men themselves. Thus all human schemes for the betterment of society must begin in the man himself. Let the church save the individual, and by thus doing, save society. <br /> <br /> This is a public service of patriotic American youth PO Box 363, Jackson, MS

Flyer, The Mission of the Christian Church on Earth, 1965. 

The price they paid<br /> <br /> Have you ever wondered what happened to those men who signed the declaration of independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traders and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds, or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.<br /> <br /> What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.<br /> <br /> They signed and they pledged their lives their fortunes and their sacred honor.<br /> <br /> Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ship swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.<br /> <br /> Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay and, his family was kept in hiding his possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.<br /> <br /> Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, an Middleton. <br /> <br /> At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Junior noted that the British general Cornwallis, had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire, which was done. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.<br /> <br /> <br /> Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.<br /> <br /> <br /> John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid waste. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves returning home after the war to fight his wife dead, his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.<br /> <br /> Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.<br /> <br /> Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American revolution. These were not wild-eyed rabble-rousing ruffians. These were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledged each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”<br /> <br /> WE HAVE GIVEN YOU A REPUBLIC – IF YOU CAN KEEP IT. Ben Franklin<br /> <br /> This is a public service patriotic Patriotic American Youth PO Box 363, Jackson, MS

Flyer, The Price They Paid, c1965. 

I am your flag<br /> <br /> I was born on June 14, 1777.<br /> <br /> I am more than just cloth shaped into a design.<br /> <br /> I am the refuge of the world’s oppressed people.<br /> <br /> I am the silent Sentinel of freedom.<br /> <br /> I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth.<br /> <br /> I am the inspiration for which American patriots give their lives and fortunes.<br /> <br /> I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the bloody ridges of Korea.<br /> <br /> I walk in silence with each of your honored dead, to their final resting place beneath the silent white crosses rows upon row.<br /> <br /> I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected.<br /> <br /> My red stripes… symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation.<br /> <br /> My white stripes signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.<br /> <br /> My blue field is indicative of god’s heaven under which I fly. <br /> <br /> My stars… clustered together, unify 50 states as one, for God and country.<br /> <br /> Old glory is my nickname, and proudly I wave on high.<br /> <br /> Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and your fortunes.<br /> <br /> Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return.<br /> <br /> Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of your republic.<br /> <br /> Worship eternal God and keep his commandments, and I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom for all mankind.<br /> <br /> I am your flag.<br /> <br /> This is a public service of Patriotic American Youth PO Box 363, Jackson, MS

Flyer, I Am Your Flag, c1964

A reproduction of the bill of rights. The ink is blue and red, and it is on white paper.<br /> <br /> Our American heritage<br /> <br /> The bill of rights<br /> As provided in the first 10 amendments to the constitution of the United States affective December 15, 1791<br /> <br /> Preamble<br /> <br /> The conventions of a number of the states having at the time of their adopt in the constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its power, that further Declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: and as extending the ground of public confidence in the government, will best insure the beneficient ends of its institution.<br /> <br /> One. Right to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition.<br /> Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.<br /> <br /> Two. Right to keep and bear arms.<br /> A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.<br /> <br /> Three. rights on quartering of soldiers.<br /> No soldier shower, and time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.<br /> <br /> Four. Right against unreasonable search and seizure.<br /> The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<br /> <br /> Five. Right to protection of persons and property.<br /> No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, and less on a present meant or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land of naval forces, or in the militia, when an actual service, in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.<br /> <br /> Six. Rights of persons accused of crime.<br /> In all criminal prosecutions, that accuse shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which districts shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.<br /> <br /> Seven. Right of trial by jury.<br /> In suits at common law, where are the value is controversy shall exceed $20, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury Shelby otherwise re-examined in any quart of the United States, that according to the rules of the common law.<br /> <br /> Eight. Right to protection against excessive fines, bail, punishment.<br /> Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.<br /> <br /> Nine. Rights not a numerator and retained by the people.<br /> The enumeration in the constitution of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.<br /> <br /> 10. Rights reserved to the states and the people.<br /> The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, I reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.<br /> <br /> This is a public service of patriotic American youth, PO Box 363, Jackson, MIssissippi.

Flyer, The Bill of Rights published by the Patriotic American Youth

Community Activism
Patriotic American Youth