Voices of Patriotism: Bernie Ehrlich

The child of immigrants and a Navy veteran, Ehrlich’s work has included writing speeches for President Harry Truman, launching an anti-genocide program, revitalizing a local attorney association and crafting a discussion series at his retirement home. Throughout it all, he has been driven by a desire to get involved and help others — core American values, in his eyes.

Interviewed by David Conway

"Patriotism is believing in the American system. We’re all people who are here because we love America, and we want to make sure it succeeds."

"My mother and father were immigrants — worked hard and did a great a job. They were for America. My mother was from Russia. My father was from Germany. What brought them here was discrimination in the countries they came from, and wanting to lead a decent life in America. They worked hard, they were successful and set a wonderful example for me."

"I was in World War II, in the Navy. After World War II, I was trying to find, like most everybody else, a job. I was asked to speak at a program involving Edith Nourse Rogers, who was the head of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and Admiral Louis Denfeld. I spoke, and people said to me, you ought to at least go over to the White House; maybe you can get a job there. That was my start."

"It wasn’t the same as it is today. We believed in government. We believed our leaders were trying to do the right thing."

"The proudest thing I’ve ever worked on was writing the G.I. Bill at a time when everyone thought it was welfare. I think it was one of the most significant pieces of legislation we’ve ever done.  It gave the veteran a chance to get an education, health care and be treated the way they should have been as an honor for what they did for this country."

"These men and women, we could have been dead. We served our country. We didn’t complain. We did something that was very worthwhile."

"We worked together. Remember: If you’re part of an immigrant family, there were no wealthy people. When somebody got sick, everybody in the neighborhood chipped in to do that, and we felt the government was trying to help us do the right thing."

"We’re losing out on all facets of democracy. We know there are always changes, but these changes have not been what this country needs."

"When World War II broke out, my dad said to me, “When are you going?” He didn’t say, “Are you going.” That’s all I’m trying to do — continuing those types of things, getting more people involved."

"Let me tell you a deep, dark secret here: When we entered this retirement home, they had speakers. How many people in the room? Four to 13. That doesn’t encourage you at all. What I decided to do was hold these office town hall meetings. I started by making the first speech, and now all these people have been signed up."

"Many people don’t do anything, and it’s a waste — for them, too. “Let’s sit around and wait for death” is not an answer. This place here, we have some who do nothing. but when you look at the background of the people who are here, they really have done a great deal. I’ve tried to get them out to talk about these things. because they’ve contributed a great deal. Remember, my generation’s called the best generation ever. I think it’s true, but nowadays, people don’t seem to be as interested in doing things."

"This is what we all need to do: Help out other people. In terms of the issues of the country, talk about them. Make sure we all know exactly what we need to do to maintain this as the greatest country in the world."

"We talk too much about the problems, but not solutions. What I try to do is briefly make sure people understand the problem, but give some positive ways in which we can solve them. I‘m very disturbed when I hear the TV and others talk about problems, but don’t offer solutions. It’s taking a turn for the worse. That’s why it’s needed more than anything else. The solution can come from anybody, but we need to talk about the problem and how it affects people."

"When they attacked Pearl Harbor, we didn’t wait. We volunteered, and we fought. And by God, that’s what this country can do. If we turn all of our attention, if we do the things we did, we’re capable of doing anything and everything. But you can’t just talk about it. You gotta get out and do it."

"Two words: Get involved. Don’t be just a person sitting there and letting it happen. Get involved. Get involved in what you feel strongly about. I known nobody can get involved in everything, but get involved. "