The dictionary definition of patriotism is “absolute love, commitment, faithfulness and sacrifice for one’s nation.” To me, the full extent of my freedom will always be completely expressed in the lyrics to the Beyonce Knowles’s version of “God Bless the USA.” (This song was performed by the original artist, Lee Greenwood in 1984.)
If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for
all my life
And I had to start again with just my family by my side
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away
And I had to start again with just my family by my side
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away
And I won't forget those [i] who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of
Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there's pride in every American heart
And it's time to make a change
Chorus (2x)
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there's pride in every American heart
And it's time to make a change
Chorus (2x)
"Freedom is never more than one
generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the
bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the
same.”
(Ronald Reagan)
1.
Grapple with inequality 44% of Americans live
in "liquid-asset poverty" which means that nearly 1/2 of
Americans are one paycheck away from disaster. This is a terrifying and tragic
reality for our nation. Learn about the depths
and effects of inequality facing your community and commit
to doing more to reverse it and create economic opportunity for all Americans.
2.
Study history You cannot change the
future without a firm understanding of the past. Being a responsible
citizen, demands a firm grasp of history. In the age of the Internet,
there is no excuse for the ignorance of so many adults. Read a
book.
Watch
a film. Take a class. Learn about our culture in all of its
splendor and horror so that you can engage in factual conversations and
debate. Gain a deeper understanding of where we have been as a country,
so that you can help inform others of where we are headed.
3.
Support
veterans and active-duty military Taking
care of the people who serve our country is an important way to show
patriotism. You can show your support in many ways. Hire veterans if you're a
small-business owner. Participate in initiatives that help active-duty service
people and veterans.
Plenty
of organizations can help you show your support. Showing support can be as
simple as visiting with a veteran in your neighborhood, putting together a care
package for someone serving overseas, or making a purchase from a merchant who
donates a portion of the proceeds to a military support organization.
Patriotism
doesn't have to be something that burns brief and bright, and then fades.
Meaningful acts of patriotism, like supporting members of the armed forces, can
shine throughout the year. You can find a comprehensive list of support
organizations online at www.military.com.
“Patriotism consists
not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as
well as strong.” (James Bryce)
4. The
American flag You
can show your patriotism year round with the American flag. If you decide to
fly it more often, just make sure you take care to keep the flag in good
condition. Three patriotic holidays occur in the summer: Memorial Day, Flag Day
and Independence Day.
It's a perfect time to begin displaying the flag, and turning
it into a year-round habit. Displaying the flag is a wonderful way to show
respect for the USA, and honoring those who have defended it throughout our
history. There are right and wrong ways to display the flag. Illuminate the
flag at night if you'll be displaying it both day and night. Never hang it with
the union (the blue and white stars field) downward. Downward is a signal of
distress. [ii]
5.
Visit and
support a national park The National Parks Service protects many of the country's greatest natural and
historic treasures, and they're available for the enjoyment of everyone. Many
national park and historic sites are free, but some do charge admission. When
you pay your admission fee or make a voluntary donation, you're helping the
National Park service continue to preserve America's cultural and natural
history.
The
wide variety of sites and locations means virtually every American is within a
reasonable drive of a National Park site. Whether you're looking for a day trip
or a week-long family vacation, you can find a National Park location that will
provide a fun, educational, and patriotic experience.
6.
Vote Recent
voter turnout in this country has been historically low. In 2014, it was the
lowest since World War II; about 36 percent of Americans eligible to vote did
so. In a Fox News poll, 93 percent of respondents said they believed voting was
a patriotic thing to do.
Turnout
is usually higher in years with a presidential race, but don't just wait for a
big election. Vote in your municipal, school district, county and state
elections, too. Take your children with you so they learn about the process and
the importance of voting. It's the American thing to do.
"If patriotism were
defined, not as blind obedience to government, nor as submissive worship to
flags and anthems, but rather as love of one's country, one's fellow citizens
(all over the world), as loyalty to the principles of justice and democracy,
then patriotism would require us to disobey our government, when it violated
those principles." (Howard Zinn) [iii]
[i] I have substituted the word “those” for “men” to
include both the female and canine populations that have valiantly sacrificed
their lives for our freedom.
[ii] The proper way to retire an
American flag that is torn beyond repair is to thrown in a fire. The flag
should be folded in the customary triangle manner. The individuals at the ceremony should salute
or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Finally, the ceremony should with a moment
of silence and bury the ashes once the flag is completely consumed.
[iii] Sources used:
·
“5
Truly Meaningful Ways to Show Your Patriotism this Memorial Day and Beyond”
(http://www.localsyr.com/news/5-truly-meaningful-ways-to-show-your-patriotism-this-memorial-day-and-beyond_20150724043344787/165215601)
·
“6 Great Ways to
Show Your Patriotism All Year Long” by
·
“7 Ways to Show Your Patriotism Every Day” by Jocelyn
Harmon
·
“God Bless the
U.S.A.” from Wikipedia
·
“How to Properly Retire an American
Flag” by Collins Flags
·
“To
Be a Patriot: The Many Ways to Show Patriotism” by Kyla Giffin
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