Patriotism and My Understanding of It.

By: ksal Mood: hopeful Date: 08/21/2009 12:11:29 Music: None

I wrote this for my high school senior exhibition, which is essentially a year long study of anything we think is important / pressing to our community.

Essential Question: Why does patriotism matter in the United States and how has it changed since 9/11/2001?

Introduction: 

I remember the events of September 11, 2001 very well. I remember walking into the library at school and seeing my teachers crowd around a small television, muttering among themselves as the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded. I walked into class and listened as my stunned teacher tried to explain to us what was happening. He got a television, and we sat, in our fifth grade classroom; watching. Just an hour before I had had no idea that anything as horrific as this could ever happen, especially not here in the United States of America; nor did I believe killing such a large number of innocents was possible, even for the most evil of men. Although I did not know exactly what was happening, I could feel the gravity of the situation. I could practically see my understanding of the world crumbling.  

Over the next few months even the air around me seemed different, everyone, liberal and conservative alike, was united in their need for justice. I remember this feeling, which I can now identify as patriotism, swell up inside me. My family, my friends, my community, all had grown more connected than I had ever thought possible of such individually minded people. The feeling of unity I shared with them and my country was so great, so powerful, that I knew there was nothing -- nothing -- that could ever bring the United States of America down, because for once, we were united to the core.  

Do you remember?

I do, but even more, I feel the absence of it now. Every day. 

I feel an emptiness where once there was a feeling of duty, honor, commitment, and love, for oneself and ones country. Now this space is occupied by a kind of embarrassment, a humiliation, even hate. I do my best every day to keep the small beacon of light -- that is, my patriotism -- alive.  

I live in a society where love of country is now sadly looked down upon, where believing in certain values and morals is brushed aside, even scoffed at by those who preach the all-encompassing acceptance. These are they who are open to all ideas, good or bad, decent or decadent, uplifting or demeaning. Every day I sit through classes where teachers blatantly bash the United States with what they think are witty cynicisms, then say 'oops' and laugh. I feel trapped in a place where patriotism is dying a slow death, where the desire to improve our amazing country is diminishing, and the only way I can 'fit in' is to learn to hate all that is American.  

That’s just plain wrong. No school should bring this upon its students, for then it is no longer a school, but an instrument of propaganda. 

I am a conservative at a liberal school. A Red student in a Blue classroom. I challenge my readers now to question this disparaging situation, as I have questioned it: ask yourself what you are doing to help save our great Democracy. If you are doing nothing, then you will be part of its downfall.

What is patriotism? The word comes from the Latin, patria, meaning country or nation (Schlesinger). The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines Patriotism as 'Love for or devotion to one's country." This is the definition I will be using throughout this essay. To answer the question 'What does it mean to be patriotic?' one will find themselves digging deep into their ‘very ideals, beliefs, values, morals, and the foundation of who" they are (Becky K.) making this an incredibly controversial topic.

What has patriotism meant historically?

During the Second World War patriotism was at an all time high. Recruiting stations were full of men waiting to join the military to help stop the war from reaching our shores. Sugar and gas were rationed on May 14, 1942. American Intelligence Organizations get more people and funding to intercept Japanese/German messages. Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) sent women to do non-combat duties at home and overseas (Clifton). Women took over much of the jobs that were left when men joined the military, the nations automakers agreed to slash production of domestic civilian cars by 20% and redirect resources toward the war effort. Needless to say patriotism and the want to win the war was incredible. Entire cities would practice black out drills and work together trading rations, all to support the war effort.

The same cannot be said for the Vietnam War. As is commonly known the Vietnam War was a war of containment and was fought on two different levels. The first level was a civil war between the North Vietnamese and the South, the south being anti-communism and the north pro-communism. The second level to this war was between the United States and the Soviet Union. Because fighting in either country would lead to nuclear war the two fought this proxy war instead, inside of Vietnam.

In August of 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson's administration announces that American destroyers were attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats while on patrol in international waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. The president and Congress use this to pass the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, which authorized the president to "take all necessary measures" to protect American forces and "prevent further aggression in South East Asia" (Brinkley). Johnson used this as authorization to escalate the conflict and wage a war in Vietnam, without proper approval from congress. Johnson essentially used the public's anger and increased sense of patriotism after the Gulf of Tonkin incident to broadly increase his executive powers (Brinkley). Later, substantial doubts were raised about the whether the administration reported the events accurately.

By late 1965 there are few Americans protesting the war in Vietnam, however, as the war dragged on with little process support began to fade (Brinkley). By May 15, 1966 thousands are marching in Washington D.C. to protest the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The Selective Service Qualification Test is enacted, students who score lower than 70 will lose their student-deferment and could be drafted. Activist’s rage, saying this violates the 14th Amendment and the "Equal Protection" clause because it increases the wars burden on the poor and uneducated (Clifton). The anti-war movement defined patriotism as protesting an unjust, brutal, and futile war that was taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers. There were enormous peace marches held in New York, Washington D.C. and other major cities. At the University of Chicago students protesting the war seized the administration building for two days (Clifton). November 15, 1969: There are massive anti-war protests in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. 250,000 march on the capitol, 200,000 in San Francisco (Brinkley). 451 colleges/universities strike for peace, and the New York Times prints the Pentagon Papers; some say this is treasonous and threatens national security, while others say it's patriotic to exercise the freedom of the press (Brinkley). While the anti-war protesters may be loud there were still those who remained true to America.

Nixon called upon "the great silent majority of Americans" to oppose the anti-war protests (Clifton), defining the silent majority as the "vast number of quiet, conformist citizens living by traditional American values" (Clifton). In 1965 Georgia legislature denies civil rights activist Julian Bond a seat because of his opposition to the Vietnam War and called Julian disloyal and unpatriotic to the United States because he said that he admired the draft dodgers (Clifton). There were those who supported the war and thought of patriotism as opposing communism around the world and defending/promoting American democratic values and freedoms (Brinkley).

So while there were many who believed in the U.S. they were overshadowed by the loud anti-war protesters who did everything they could to get the country out of Vietnam, including acting terrible to the war veterans. It is due to the terrible treatment that they received upon returning to the U.S. that there are so many homeless veterans. The anti-troop feelings have changed, thankfully, since then and following the events of 9/11 troops and service workers were more highly honored than ever. 

Following the tragic events of 9/11 the public rallied together to support those who had lost a loved one in the attacks and united to seek justice upon those who committed such a heinous crime. Shops nearby ground zero offered free services and shelter to the rescue workers and injured, the immediate response to the attack was one of kindness and a need to help those victimized by the terrorist attacks. We, the people, stood side-by-side, not as democrat or republican, but as Americans, and sought to help the victims and receive justice from those responsible. Bush's decision to go to war shot his approval ratings through the roof; the vast majority of republicans and democrats supported his campaign according to polls done by Gallup. A month into the war on terror Bush's approval rating was at 92% (Washington Post). Patriotism was the driving force that helped us stand back up and immediately help others before ourselves. Patriotism is what keeps a country from adopting the every man for himself mentality and allows people to work together to achieve great things.

Patriotic Symbols Following the Events of 9/11:

Immediately following 9/11 the streets were filled with American flags. 'Taxi drivers-- most of them immigrants, many from predominantly Muslim countries-- flew American flags in numbers not seen before or since' (Haberman). Support for the country and those who died in the terrorist attacks was at its highest since World War II. Nations came together to help a great nation recover from a most brutal and cowardly blow. Flags were flown everywhere -- 'large American flags were clipped to the windows, one each on the driver's and passenger sides [of taxi cabs in New York].' And, as though that weren’t enough, some taxi drivers 'draped shawl-size American flags [around their shoulders]' (Haberman).  

According to a poll by CNN/USA Today/Gallup in January of 2002 71% of Americans identified themselves as very patriotic or extremely patriotic, roughly three out of four, as opposed to three out of five in 1995. There is no doubt that the tragic events of 9/11 brought Americans together, which is evidenced by five separate follow up polls conducted by Gallup. These polls showed that no less than 61% (and as many as 70%) of American said they were "extremely proud" to be American. In polls conducted a year after 9/11, only 55% were this proud (Gallup).  

While there was an increase in patriotism in the aftermath of 9/11, the political divide began to grow wider. Another Gallup poll (1999) showed that 81% of those who identified themselves as politically conservative said they were very or extremely patriotic, as opposed to just 57% of self-described liberal Americans.  

Since that poll the percentage of very or extremely patriotic liberals has grown 10 percentage points (Gallup). Although the divide is still big, there is no doubt that the feeling of patriotism in the USA was then strong, and that even the smallest show of patriotism was still appreciated, such as shown by the pin presidential candidates opted to wear. After 9/11 it became the 'norm' for political leaders to wear a pin of the US flag as a physical symbol of their patriotism.  

In the recent 2008 elections, however, presidential candidate Barack Obama chose not to wear one. Needless to say this provoked many questions from the community. Then Senator Obama (now president Obama) said he did not feel compelled to wear a flag pin, saying he would prove his patriotism in deed, not apparel (Rutenberg). As he began his race to become president he was pulled aside many times and given pins to wear. Over and over he declined, until he addressed veterans in West Virginia. It appeared on his lapel on Monday, then again on Tuesday, and then again on Wednesday. In other words, the pin appeared just as Obama turned his attention to white, working class voters whose support had been elusive in recent primaries (Rutenberg).  Statistically whites have proven to be more patriotic than nonwhites, according to polls by Gallup, which showed that +/- 80% of whites call themselves very/extremely patriotic, as opposed to 46% of nonwhites (Gallup).  

Questions arise as to the reason for Obama's sudden dawning of the flag pin, but his staff assured reporters that it had nothing to do with winning the votes of those who thought it un-American to not wear a pin, it was just fashion happenstance. (Rutenberg). Obama, knowingly or not (most likely knowingly), used the symbol of patriotism to gain the support of those on the edge, trying to show that he was, in fact, for America. His hope seems to have been to get more voters behind him to see him through to victory.  

While the pins may be the extra step needed to win the election, such physical signs of patriotism can also get you in trouble.

Patriotism in Our Universities: 

"In most societies that patriotism or something akin to patriotism-- the desire to protect the society's standards and beliefs against outside challenges--is for ordinary citizens instinctive. It takes a good deal of 'sophisticated proselytizing' to counteract this instinct. Rather surprisingly, for in the past it has been the elites who most firmly articulated the patriotic creed, in our time it is the very elites that have fashioned the "enlightened attitudes" that downplay, scoff at, or even condemn, the traditional beliefs of the society" (Schlesinger).  

Our *cough* Universities *cough-cough* these institutions that train, i.e. indoctrinate, our youth are, operate in the name of openness and multiculturalism in which all opinions are supposedly welcome (but still exhibit a sort of specialized selectivity), and must avoid under any circumstance giving offense to anybody. At one university the American flag on the university bus was banned on the grounds that it was "insensitive" to foreign exchange students. At another university an administrator told students to remove patriotic posters (which, in this case meant the American flag and an eagle) from the dormitory grounds because such displays were "offensive" (Schlesinger). One university professor observed that he was the only staff member to wear an American flag on his lapel. “Duke university, long a hotbed of political correctness, shut down the website of a faculty member after he posted an article entitled 'Terrorism and Its Appeasement.' Subsequently, the web page was restored, but the professor was obliged to include a disclaimer that his views did not reflect the views of the university-- a requirement not imposed on other professors. So much for institutions that profess adherence to the free expression of ideas!" (Schlesinger).  

While it may be important to avoid giving needless offense, foreign exchange students who come to the United States know what country they are coming to and should expect to see displays of the American flag among other such patriotic symbols. Universities need to recognize that they have a right to their own views, but do not have any right at all to silence the differing views of others. The burst of patriotism following 9/11 seems to have been met with dismay by many of the professors as students hung American flags and showed other similar affects of patriotism. But as the war dragged on the renewed patriotism faded and universities reverted back to the usual anti-American condition.  

"One additional problem that should be mentioned, some of this behavior--suppressing the display of American flags and other such symbols-- has unfortunately trickled down to the high school level, where some administrators have suppressed the expression of patriotic inclinations in the name of 'avoiding offensiveness'" (Schlesinger). 

The problems in the school systems of the United States are similar to those of the media, another 'elite' institution that is meant to enlighten the American public. These networks and newspapers are largely led and staffed by the products of our liberal-minded university system. So to think that the people who run the media are not affected by group think would be a mistake. They, like many other successful college graduates, most likely realized at some point that to "be recognized and to get ahead, it is best to get along" (Schlesinger).  

Patriotism and the Media: 

In the past the American media has had little issue with showing that it wanted the American side to win. This all changed during the Vietnam War. A new attitude has emerged, the guiding principle of which is to exhibit an impartiality meant to avoid seeming to favor one's own side. This has led to a kind of “bending over backwards” to be fair, if not overly generous, to the other side and to focus more on the errors of one's own side. This leads, unintentionally, to uneven treatment, causing the media to show, rather lightly, the misdeeds of the other side and exaggerate the defects of one's own side (Schlesinger).  

This leads to the sad issue of self-censorship, reporting on not what was reported but altering the story to avoid offense. "(T)he stories that are filed by reporters in the field very seldom reach the American public as written. An anecdote from Col. McMaster illustrates this dramatically. TIME magazine recently sent a reporter to spend six weeks with the 3rd ACR as they were in the battle of Tal Afar. When the battle was over, the reporter filed his story and also included close to 100 pictures that the accompanying photographer took. TIME published a cover story on the battle about a week later, allegedly using the story sent in by their reporter. When the issue came out, the guts had been edited out of their reporter's story and none of the pictures he submitted were used. Instead they showed a weeping child on the cover, taken from stock photos. When the reporter questioned why his story was eviscerated, his editors in New York responded that the story and pictures were 'too heroic.' McMaster had read both and told me that the editors had completely changed the thrust and context of the material their reporter had submitted" (Schlesinger). Please note how the editors from TIME completely changed the context of which the story was written and suppressed the accounts of courageous action of American soldiers, and instead of using photos take during the battle they substituted it with a picture of a weeping child. The outrage that the actions of our soldiers are being de-glorified by our media should be overwhelming, how can is it that we are supposed to trust our media to be accurate when they do everything they can to try to show both sides of the battle while completely cutting out all the good we are doing.  

Looking back from the media of today to the media of the 1940's one is taken aback by the total lack of unity we have today. Before the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 the US insisted on a neutral stance while a war raged on in Europe. We were a self-sufficient country that relied little on outside support and we enjoyed it. Patriotism back then meant protecting the countries interests and that meant ourselves, then the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, killing thousands of people. The U.S. declares war and patriotic posters start to appear. One such poster read: "Remember Dec. 7! We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain" (Clifton).  The nation jumped at the chance to help the war effort, in April of 1941 "Nations automakers cut production by 20% to aid the war effort" (Clifton). People began rationing food, clothing, and gasoline, anything that could be recycled was. Kitchen fat was reprocessed to make explosives, people practiced black out drills at the drop of a dime, women joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services), and the slogan "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" was widely accepted (Clifton). People worked a mandatory 48 hours a week in addition to all the rations they received; they made do and were proud to be helping the war effort. One newspaper wrote: "The speed with which the United States is mobilizing for war testifies to both the efficiency and resolve of the American people" (Clifton). It was made known by the reporters that they wanted America to win and weren't afraid to show sadness at defeat in combat.

As in WWII and recently with 9/11 the nation was thrust into a conflict it did not want part of, so why is it that in WWII we went 'in it to win it' and gave it our all, with rations and corporations cutting productivity to help the war effort, while in the more recent attack on 9/11 and the war that ensued we (the American populous) continue to drive cars that get 15 mpg? Our media continues to highlight the defects of our country in an attempt to avoid offense-- offense to whom? Our enemies? It's mind-boggling to think that we would rather take down flags on university campuses, and avoid printing stories that are 'too heroic' then give offense to those who would kill us first chance they get. What is the difference between the two? I would venture to say our overall feeling of patriotism is what's lacking.

Why Patriotism Matters:

Our patriotism, our love of country, is a tool that can be used to do amazing and great things or used to commit unspeakable acts. There have been many examples of this through out our short history as a country. So how has our patriotism been used against us? Lets look back to only a few years ago, when the nation was still in shock and mourning from the attacks of September 11, 2001. "In the national anguish after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Congress rushed to enact a formidable anti-terrorism law-- the Patriot Act -- that significantly crimped civil liberties by expanding law enforcement's power to use wiretaps, search warrants and other surveillance techniques, often under the cloak of secrecy. There was virtually no public debate before these major changes to the nation's legal system were put into effect" (NY Times, Ed.). Before the attacks of 9/11 there were 20 terrorism-related crimes that carried the option of capital punishment, with the houses approval it added an additional 41, tripling the number of terrorism-related crimes carrying the death penalty (NY Times, Ed.). All of this was possible after 9/11 due to the high emotions and hurt the people felt. Bush's approval ratings spiked almost overnight, to 86%, and 92% within a month of launching the War on Terrorism (Washington Post, Ed.). His approval ratings remained above 70% for the next year and helped to give him the longest sustained presidential approval rating ever recorded.

With Congress passing the Patriot Act limiting civil liberties and doing so unconstitutionally, along with spying on the American people (also unconstitutionally) the president had the nerve to try to use patriotism, again, to silence the media from exposing these programs. Former President Bush practically accused those who were against his programs of aiding terrorists, saying "It was a shameful act, for someone to disclose this very important program in a time of war. The fact that we're discussing this program is helping the enemy" (The Nation). However the president failed to mention that "it continues to be a criminal offense in the United States for any government official -- no matter how high -- to eavesdrop on Americans without judicial oversight and approval" (Greenwald).

Abusing the legal system and constitution is not something that is a new thing for presidents in a time of war, however that doesn't make it right. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor many Japanese Americans were put into internment camps. This was much harder on the Japanese living on the west coast then those actually living in Hawaii, as the one's in Hawaii were needed for labor and the economy would fall without them, but on the west coast the Japanese-Americans were more successful and had businesses, but were still thrown into camps. It was a disgusting act that arose from fear, not patriotism. However when the Army had the nerve to go into these camps and ask for volunteers for the military there were many who stood up, eager to prove themselves to their new country (Salisbury). The Japanese-Americans who refused to play the victims and stood up for a country they loved, but had wronged them, ended up making a huge impact on the outcome of the war and created a better country from their sacrifice.

On April 6, 1917 President Wilson declares war on Germany after German U-boats sunk several American ships in neutral international waters (Clifton). By May of that year Congress had passed the Selective Service Act, which required all males between the ages of 21-30 to register for military draft. The next month Congress passed the Espionage Act, which made it illegal to "hinder the American war effort or help its enemies" (Clifton). They also limit materials that can be sent through the mail -- this meant banning all publications sent out by the socialist party-- which is an infringement on our freedom of speech. May 16, 1918 congress passes the Sedition Act. Dissenters can be put in jail for criticizing the flag, government, draft or arms production. Over 2,000 people were jailed for protesting the draft (Clifton); and on September 14, 1918 a federal judge sentenced the Socialist Party leader, Eugene Debs, to 10 years in prison for violating the Espionage Act with his support of pacifism (Clifton). Being in a world war may or may not be a justifiable reason to break the law, even with the intent to keep Americans safe, but no doubt such ridiculous acts and laws would never have made it into place in a time of peace.

How patriotism has benefited us post 9/11:

With the war in Iraq and Afghanistan raging onward it's easy to be upset with the government. But there is a general consensus that the troops we send out to fight are not the bad guys. Their actions, no matter how controversial the governments actions were, should be looked upon with great pride, for even in a war that is unpopular they are laying down their lives every day for a country they believe in. Many Americans choose to show support with decals on their cars, these all say "Support Our Troops" but come in different colors. "Many decals are red, white, and blue, the colors of the nation's flag and of patriotism untinged with irony or caveats. These loops of ribbon implicitly support the cause in which the troops fight, or at least convey no hint of doubt, let alone political opposition" (The Hill, Ed.). Then there are the yellow ribbons, which appear to detach support for our troops and support for the war. "The yellow ribbon merely conveys the hope or prayer that our men and women fighting on a foreign field will get home safely and soon" (The Hill, Ed.). Still others are pink, which support the bringing home of our troops and wish their well being while suggesting, and sometimes stating, that the only way to truly support our troops is to end the war. The point is that no matter the views on how 'right' the war is they all take care to side with the troops. "Whether people support the war effort, want it won and are prepared to stay in and fight as long as it takes, or whether they regard it as already lost and nothing more than a monument to the failings of a waning presidency, all of them wish to be associated with he best interests of the troops who are doing the fighting. This is a testament to the nationwide respect, admiration, and gratitude and indeed love that the United States' armed forces have earned" (The Hill, Ed.).

While some might see simply putting a sicker on the back of your car as barely patriotic, no one can argue the patriotism of Cindy Sheaffer, who lived just a few miles from the empty field where United Flight 93 went down on 9/11. "I was really affected by September 11 and I thought it was important to support our troops who are still fighting this war on terror and honor the victims of 9/11" she told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Sheaffer established the "America Never Forget Foundation to help funnel proceeds from her small business to wounded service members" (Hester). After seeing a newspaper article about a veteran who was blinded and lost his lower leg in an attack in Baghdad and couldn't afford to pay his bills Sheaffer decided to use her flag design to raise money for organizations that help wounded soldiers (Hester).

 When the Walter Reed hospital scandal was discovered it hit the American public hard, followed by intense cries of anger at such poor treatment of our troops. When pictures were released of the housing in the hospital the public was outraged, mold was creeping over the walls, rats and other vermin were abundant, and patients were neglected. The harsh reaction caused "a White House known for defending its embattled leaders to fire the Army secretary and relieve a two-star general of his command" (Coile). Such poor treatment was inexcusable, especially with a war that is already unfavorable to most. "Everybody wants to do right by our soldiers -- no matter what your view of the war -- especially for those who have paid a steep price with their bodies," said Garry Augustine, the deputy national service director of Disabled American Veterans. The public's outrage at what has happened only serves to show that we are a patriotic people that want only the best for those that keep this country safe.

The same support was shown during the horrific events of 9/11 toward our rescue workers.

How Patriotism Has Been Used for Good Historically:

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor many Japanese-Americans were put into internment camps in the desert. The United States Army eventually came around and had the nerve to ask the people it had just stripped of everything if they would like to fight for the country that did that too them. Surprisingly, most said yes, they would. The amount of patriotism shown by the Japanese-Americans is astounding, but even more amazing was how they preformed in combat. Their performance did not go unnoticed, in fact on newspaper headline from 1945 read "Japanese American troops most honored" (Clifton). The Japanese-Americans fought with great distinction, being the only regiment to have 0 front line deserters by the end of the war, compared to a 15% average (Clifton). On top of all that they were the most decorated men in American military history, winning a total of 3,600 Purple Hearts, 810 Bronze Stars, 342 Silver Stars, 47 Distinguished Service Crosses and 17 Legion of Merits.

A total of 8,000 Japanese-Americans joined the Army after Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson announced in Jan. 1943 that they could serve in segregated units (Clifton).

The patriotism shown by the Japanese-American soldiers in WWII allowed them to receive the respect they deserved in a hard time for them and secured their place in history as one of the best fighting forces in WWII. Their role in WWII had nothing but positive effects for not only themselves and their people, but on the American public as a whole.

In addition to the Japanese-American contribution to the war effort there was that of the average person living off rations and taking part in drills to ensure the safety of American lives, as I have already explained. This type of patriotism allotted the U.S. government the flexibility and supplies it needed to get the job done in Europe and the South Pacific.

So why does patriotism matter?

Americans have much to be proud of; no other country has done, or has the ability to do, as much good in the world as we have. We have made many mistakes, but for each of our mistakes there is a virtue that is three times as strong. Our media and Universities teach us to downplay our success and focus only on our defeats. But in no other country could someone with a history like Barack Obama's become a national icon or president, whether you voted for him or not it's still an amazing story.

Every time I see an American flag I feel this pride rise inside me, the National Anthem plays over in my head for a second, and is gone again, leaving me in a better mood and feeling optimistic. I remember the heroic images of firemen and police officers rushing in and out of the World Trade Centers, helping those in need without worry for their own physical well-being, I remember the pictures of soldiers in Iraq giving aid to Iraqi’s, then those in World War II helping the victims of the Nazi concentration camps. I know that for all the wrong choices we've made before, we have also made up for them ten-fold. Does the sight of our flag do that for you?

How about a soldier, policeman, or firefighter? These men and women risk their lives for the betterment of the community and our country. They lay their lives down to improve the country they live in, that is why I can never call someone who would rather move to Canada then help improve this country and American. I believe that the mindset that America is so shameful it would be better to just leave not only is a personal insult to everyone who lives in this country, but that it goes against everything the American Dream is and it would probably be better for the U.S. as a whole if that person left, because clearly they are not interested in trying to help fix whatever they see as broken.

I believe patriotism requires an active commitment from everyone. It requires one stands up against what is wrong and speak their mind at times, it also requires us to stay silent and trust at others. Patriotism requires one to stand behind our troops, if not along side them. It requires we stand tall and strong when any danger threatens our rights and freedoms. Patriotism is a progressive tool that allows one, or many, to stand and make a positive difference. Patriotism is a love for ones country. Patriotism is a love for ones community. What better country to love and be devoted to than one that is devoted to keeping you safe and free? 

Thank you for reading my paper and I hope I have brought matters and questions to your attention that are new and eye opening. I challenge my readers now to go out and do something to improve this country, or on a smaller scale your community, and keep patriotism alive and well. Don't let anyone tell you that this country isn't great, because it is, and patriotism is the fuel that keeps this country moving forward.

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