Show Us Your Patriotism and We’ll Show You Ours

By Ruth A. Sheets

Patriotism is one of those words that clearly means something different to people in each of the various groups in America.  I think that “patriotism” means love of one’s country. 

That sounds so simple.  If one loves one’s nation, one is “patriotic,” right?  Well, maybe not so simple.  Love is one of those words which can be defined so broadly that no two groups will understand it the same way.

For some, one can only demonstrate love of country through service in the military, while for others, vocally supporting the nation’s wars is sufficient.  Some require patriots to display a flag on the lawn and/or wear a flag pin in public.  Some expect patriots to know and sing all the “patriotic” songs and stand with their hand on their heart when singing the “National Anthem,” (even though standing at attention is actually correct).  Some only demand the saying of the “Pledge of Allegience” at every possible occasion (even though it is pledging to a flag, not to a country).

The element that is missing from all but the first understanding of patriotism is depth.  Mouthing support for a war, waving or wearing a flag, saying the “Pledge,” singing  “America the Beautiful” demand nothing of the practitioner.  These acts  are very visible and seem patriotic.  It is easy, then,  to designate those who don’t participate in the superficiality as unpatriotic.

Serving in the military is valuable and should be recognized, but it is not the only “deep” patriotism.  Every community in the United States has people acting patriotically every day:  volunteer fire-fighters, people who try to stop violence, folks who care for the frail seniors among us as well as the very youngest, and the most vulnerable.  Scout leaders, youth directors, people who staff soup kitchens, community pantries, and other services.  These are all patriots as are local elected officials, mediators, school safeties, teachers, environmentalists, innovators, and so many more.

What all of these people have in common is that they care not just about the country, but the people who live here too.  No matter what their political leanings, they see a need and try to meet it using the resources available to them.  These folks understand that America is a diverse place and that there is room for everyone here.  We are stronger together than separate.

So, celebrate this July 4^th, but do it with your neighbors and friends.  Display a flag, but remember that it is the symbol of a people more than of a place.  We are a flawed people, but we are trying to get better, and for the most part, we are.