Patriotism means very different things to different people. Former Presidential candidate and UN Ambassador Adlai E. Stevenson once said, "Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." Dr. Burke personified that and over his life he displayed his patriotism in a number of ways.

As a student at Northwestern University soon after World War II broke out, he made a decision to join the U.S. Navy. You can view letters of support written on his behalf by several persons to gain a commission in that branch of the service.  They provide a good deal of insight into the young Albert E. Burke who, like so many from "The Greatest Generation," gave of themselves to defend their country. In Dr. Burke's case it did not end there; but it may have begun there. He continued and attained the rank of Commander in the Naval Reserve and periodically lectured at the US Air Force Academy and Air University at Maxwell AFB.

Perhaps, though, the greatest testimony to his patriotism was the four part series on the Dynamics of Democracy that was broadcast in Spring of 1962. In it, he deeply explored the roots of our history and the dangers presented by Americans who have not passed on an understanding of democracy to their children as the Founding Fathers envisioned it for our "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave". Below are the links to the four parts of this series; each a transcript of a show in its entirety.

Dynamics of Democracy I

Dynamics of Democracy II

Dynamics of Democracy III

Dynamics of Democracy IV