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I first published the following piece on June 14 when the U.S. marks Flag Day. It seemed like a suitable occasion to publish Joseph Dutton’s essay on both the flag and the Leprosarium, two key components of his world on this handkerchief-size piece of land in the middle of an ocean. Today, July 4th, independence day, also seemed like a more than appropriate day to publish his thoughts on the U.S. flag.
I found this document in my research on his life in the Rome archives of the SSCC fathers, the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I was researching as a member of the Historical Commission of the Cause for Canonization of Servant of God Joseph Dutton. I especially loved the title ”A Great Uprising on Molokai, at Kalawao”!
Vermont-born Servant of God Joseph Dutton was a companion for many years to Sts. Damien and Marianne Cope on the Hawaiian island of Molokai and a friend, helper and caregiver to the hundreds of leprosy patients who lived there in exile. Joseph served on Kalaupapa, Molokai, from his arrival on July 29, 1886 to his death at the age of 88 in 1931.
When Joseph Dutton arrived on Kalaupapa on July 29, 1886, Hawaii was a Kingdom. Kamehameha I, ruler of the island of Hawaii, had conquered and unified the other islands for the first time and established the Kingdom in 1795. It lasted until its overthrow in 1893, and was briefly a Republic until July 7, 1898 when U.S. President McKinley annexed Hawaii, creating the Territory of Hawaii. Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959.
As a U.S. citizen, Dutton always had respect for the U.S. flag. On a momentous day for the leper colony of Molokai, December 24, 1909, he wrote movingly about the flag as it was raised above the newly built, much-needed Leprosarium in a land now known as the U.S. Territory of Hawaii
P.S. There have always been 13 stripes on the U.S. flag for the 13 original colonies. In 1909, interestingly enough, there were 46 stars on the flag. The remaining 4 stars were added between 1912 and 1959.
SERVANT OF GOD JOSEPH DUTTON: THE AMERICAN FLAG, AN HONORARY MEMBER OF FAMILIES, A TRUSTED COMPANION IN LIFE
A Great Uprising on Molokai, at Kalawao
The Flag goes up,
The Leprosarium opens,
Uncle Sam is on deck.
December 24, 1909
Our flag-raising this day conforms to a time-honored custom among Americans of having the flag as a partner in the affairs of life. Looking backward along the vista, we see our faithful colors everywhere waving.
In each country, there is more or less respect for the flag of that country, but nowhere does any flag command greater affection than our own Star Spangled Banner in its native land. The American takes it into his family as an honorary member thereof, and it goes with him throughout life as a trusted companion. Our starry banner is sponsor for so many high ideals, for such a practical good: it is the expression of our hopes, it signifies national power, it inspires the patriot, defends the weak, and ever declares for justice, purity, and valor.
Today, we see it dedicated to the protection and furtherance of a great work for humanity, to combat a disease that for centuries has resisted every attack. While those former efforts have been earnest and widespread, this recently completed leprosarium, in our own leper settlement, comes into action on a scale, and within equipment far superior to anything of the past.
Authorized by our general government, the work of construction and outfitting has been carried on by the Public Health and Marine Hospital Service under Dr. Wyman, surgeon general. This has been accomplished in the most thorough manner, with careful attention to every detail. No expense has been spared. Every part of the elaborate and extensive work is of the best quality, and according to the highest standards of modern science.
It is a wonderful establishment, now dedicated to a noble purpose – to find a remedy for leprosy, this mysterious affliction that some of us have been associated with for so many years at the settlement on Molokai – one of the mid-Pacific Bouquet of Isles, now called Hawaii.
To the writer, trying from Father Damien’s time to help in various ways, including what might be termed “homemade doctoring,” the advance of science seems wonderful. Medical work under the territory, in recent years, has made a great advance. Now comes this latest marvel under the powerful protection of Uncle Sam!
Escorted through it recently by Dr. Hollmann, the writer was thinking of the extensive, but very crude plan for a bathing establishment, made in 1886 by Father Damien and the writer, the construction being intended to go on this very ground.
Wondering what Father Damien would say to this mighty work – a work so many times greater than anything he ever dreamed. Furthermore, as to just how much the various betterments of these later years have been furthered by the unique and noble service that he gave here at the settlement in those days when everything was crude.
The efficient and highly scientific U.S. service that carries on this new work, will be greatly honored and deserves it to be.
Our flag has hardly waived for a purpose more fraught with the interest of mankind. Success will mean a blessing for the ages to come and an honor to our whole country.
I propose this sentiment:
“The Leprosarium and the Stars and Stripes” forever.
Very sincerely,
Joseph Dutton
Joan's Rome 