Patriotism

"Take patriotism away, and the nation's soul has fled." ~ Edward Mark Deems

We all know people who believe flying or displaying the American flag makes them a patriot; that this symbolic gesture is proof of their patriotism. Then others will bellow and boast of their love of country and patriotism, but what their words are truly exhibiting is prejudice, conceit and hatred. 

Yes, true patriots fly the American flag. However, the flag does not belong to one person or group, and it certainly does not belong to a political party. It represents the freedom, dignity, and true meaning of being an American, and it belongs to all of us.

Having pride in our country is commendable, but true patriotism is recognizing that your welfare is deeply intertwined with the general welfare of your fellow countrymen. If you are to prosper, then everyone else must also prosper.

In difficult times it is more important than ever to come together. Standing alone while spouting about your rights and freedoms being taken away shows how selfish you are. The difficult times are when you should do what is best for the country as a whole, and not what is best just for you. True patriots do not put themselves above all others for they know that every citizen counts.

Where would our rights and freedoms be if many of our fellow citizens did not fight for them? They put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and to ensure our democracy would remain in place. Why would anyone want to tear down our bonds and destroy the unity that should hold our country together? If we work in unison our true patriotism shines through.

Below are two quotes I found regarding patriotism, both of which struck a chord for different reasons. I hope that they speak to you too.

"A great deal of what passes by the name of patriotism in these days consists of the merest bigotry and narrow-mindedness; exhibiting itself in national prejudice, national conceit, and national hatred. It does not show itself in deeds, but in boastings--in howlings, gesticulations, and shrieking helplessly for help--in flying flags and singing songs--and in perpetual grinding at the hurdy-gurdy of long-dead grievances and long-remedied wrongs. To be infested by such a patriotism as this is perhaps among the greatest curses that can befall any country." ~ Samuel Smiles

"True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant and earnest striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt