My dictionary
defines patriotism as “a devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country.”
One who has this devotion and love for his or her country, in our case
the United States of America, is called a patriot. I agree with that definition.
However, I think too many of us confuse the concept of a patriot with that
of a hero.
When I think of heroes, I imagine George Washington crossing the Delaware on that frigid Christmas Eve. I can hear Nathan Hale say “I regret I have but one life to give for my country” and Patrick Henry cry, “Give me liberty or give me death!” I think of John Glenn bravely going into the great unknown of outer space for our country. When I think of heroes, I think of Joseph Chamberlain, U.S. Grant, Dwight Eisenhower, Daniel Boone, Deborah Sampson, Douglas MacArthur, and the men who parachuted from the sky on June 6, 1944. I also think of those athletes like Michael Johnson and Keri Strugg in the Olympics who proudly stood under the American flag as it was raised and our national anthem sung.
But these are heroes, as well as patriots. They fought, some died, and all became symbols of patriotism for our country. However, to be an American patriot you do not have to die, be famous, or win any awards. American patriots are people like you or me. Our names may not be recognized or famous, we may not be buried with a 21-gun salute, and no medals may adorn our lapels, but we are true patriots.
In researching this essay, I read many stories of these patriots from around the country, and their stories warmed my heart. For example, in the Midwest there is a group of former military officers who offer high school students scholarships to attend events that center on inspiring and appreciating our country. Here they grapple to understand the Declaration of Independence and learn its history. One student says, “Now that I know what the history is behind the Declaration, I have so much more respect for it.”
In Dallas, a little girl’s Mexican-born father has a favorite song: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and he belts it out until his daughter gets tired of hearing it. Also, in Dallas, a young mother recently taught “The Pledge of Allegiance” to her 4-year-old daughter who often recites it “probably five times within a couple of minutes.”
A couple in Fort Worth, Texas, take their children with them to vote. This is a good example of the older generation inspiring and teaching the younger generation why being an American is so wonderful, an idea often lost in today’s fast-paced world. Just this year, a developmentally disabled woman realized that greatness. At age 49, she will vote for the first time!
Voting has long been important to the Bennett’s. The couple has never missed voting in an election. Both, nearing their 80s, can remember dressing in red, white, and blue and marching to the cemetery on Decoration Day. There, a Civil War veteran would deliver “The Gettysburg Address.” They can remember in school that they saluted the flag each time they walked by it. Even now, old habits die hard as they raise their treasured American flag and recite “The Pledge of Allegiance.” If you drive down their street, the only flag you’ll see will be flying at the Bennett’s home.
These and so many others are my idea of true American patriots. They are loyal, honest, good, hard-working Americans who sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” teach their children “The Pledge of Allegiance,” vote, and remember to salute the American Flag.